A team of U.S. experts is heading to Myanmar to assist with recovery efforts following a devastating earthquake in Southeast Asia that claimed over 2,000 lives last Friday. Meanwhile, teams from China and Russia are stepping in to fill the gaps left by the U.S.
The United States announced on Monday that it is providing $2 million in aid and has dispatched a small team from the U.S. Agency for International Development to assess the situation in Myanmar. However, as of Monday morning, the team had not yet been able to enter the country.
The initial aid amount aligns with previous U.S. commitments, but the response has been notably slower this time around.
For instance, after the 2023 earthquake in Morocco, a USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team was deployed within hours, although Morocco ultimately did not request their assistance.
That same year, Libya experienced severe flooding and Turkey and Syria were hit by a major earthquake; in both instances, DART teams were deployed immediately.
In both scenarios, it took a few days for the DARTs to become operational on the ground.
The U.S. response is unfolding amidst President Donald Trump’s attempts to overhaul the federal government and dismantle USAID, which includes laying off thousands of employees, cutting over 80% of its programs, and shutting down its headquarters, though these actions face numerous legal challenges.
On Friday, the State Department declared it was closing USAID and assuming many of its functions and ongoing projects.
Despite assertions that the cuts to USAID have hindered the earthquake response, the State Department contends that the issues are more logistical due to the reorganization rather than funding shortages.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce countered claims on Monday, stating, “I would reject the notion that this is obviously a result of the USAID cuts and that kind of funding.”
Meanwhile, Chinese teams were among the first to arrive, landing 18 hours after the earthquake, with over 400 personnel now on-site. Beijing has also dispatched aircraft loaded with supplies, contributing $14 million in aid, and has additional teams in Thailand.
China’s prompt response is proving to be a diplomatic advantage, demonstrating its reliability as a partner during regional crises.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning shared on Monday via the X platform photos and videos of Chinese teams aiding in rescue operations and delivering supplies, highlighting, “China, a friend in need.”
In Bangkok, where a 34-story building collapsed on Sunday, U.S. military personnel were observed moving in and out of the search area throughout Monday. They are collaborating with Israeli soldiers, employing drones to access areas too risky for rescuers.
Choktong Issarangkool, a volunteer acting as a translator for the American teams, noted, “We’re learning a lot from the Americans, and they’re bringing in a lot of good equipment.”
The Thai community appreciates the American help, a familiar presence in times of disaster as U.S. aid teams are typically among the first responders.
State Department officials are considering a more robust response to the earthquake, including the potential deployment of a DART team, though it may be smaller than previous ones.
“Our disaster experts, including those based in Bangkok, Manila, and Washington, D.C., continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with U.S. government counterparts in the region,” Bruce said.
She stressed that the $2 million of initial aid will be delivered through partner organizations already active in the affected areas.
