The US is set to provide aid in response to a deadly earthquake in Southeast Asia, but critics argue that years of budget cuts have severely impacted the country’s disaster relief capabilities.
President Donald Trump said on Friday that the US would help with the response to the earthquake, which killed at least 150 people and destroyed high-rises. However, former USAID official Sarah Charles described the system as “in shambles,” citing a lack of resources and personnel to respond quickly to emergencies.
Charles, who oversaw disaster-response teams under the Biden administration, said that without fully staffed teams, rescue efforts would be hindered. The Trump administration has made significant cuts to foreign assistance programs, including USAID, which Charles claims has decimated the team’s ability to coordinate with allies and provide emergency services.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is currently working with the State Department to respond to the disaster, but critics argue that the agency’s reduced capacity will hinder its ability to provide adequate aid. The administration’s cuts have resulted in mass firings, forced leaves, and contract terminations, leaving many global partners scrambling to fill the gap left by USAID.
Despite these concerns, the Trump administration maintains that it can still provide aid without sacrificing its priorities. However, the reality on the ground may be different, with experts warning of a potential shortage of resources and personnel to respond effectively to disasters like the one in Southeast Asia.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-says-us-help-asia-212851212.html