Quake-hit Myanmar could do with aid much more than tariffs right now

Rescue teams from China, India, and other nations are mobilizing assistance to help quake-hit Myanmar, while the European Union has launched its Humanitarian Air Bridge program, delivering 80 metric tons of emergency supplies. In contrast, the United States Agency for International Development sent a three-member delegation to evaluate the devastation wrought by a magnitude 7.9 earthquake that hit Myanmar on March 28.

If that wasn't dismal enough, according to an April 5 Reuters report, the three USAID personnel received termination notices upon their arrival in Myanmar, following a decision taken during an April 4 all-hands meeting.

Though their formal termination won't take effect until maybe months later, the psychological toll this will have on the people working amid the rubble is immeasurable. As told by former senior USAID official Marcia Wong to Reuters, "This team is working incredibly hard, focused on getting humanitarian aid to those in need. To get news of your imminent termination — how can that not be demoralizing?"