Food Aid Distribution in Sagaing Following Devastating Earthquake

On April 3, 2025, people gathered in Sagaing to receive food aid after the devastating earthquake that occurred on March 28. The earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, caused extensive damage throughout Myanmar, leading to the loss of more than 3,000 lives and leaving many others homeless.

Traditionally, the United States has played a key role in global disaster relief efforts; however, recent actions by President Donald Trump have led to cuts in humanitarian aid programs, resulting in notices of dismissal for agency staff around the same time the earthquake occurred. In light of this disaster, the U.S. State Department announced an additional $7 million in aid, building on a previous commitment of $2 million, to provide emergency shelter, food, medical assistance, and clean water in the affected areas.

While the United States has begun its support efforts, countries such as China, Russia, and India have already dispatched rescue teams to Myanmar, demonstrating their prompt response to the crisis. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the need for a balanced approach to U.S. humanitarian assistance, highlighting that nations like China and India, which have significant resources, should share the responsibility of global aid.

Rubio emphasized that it may not be fair for the U.S. to carry the majority of the humanitarian aid burden globally, responding to critics who suggested that U.S. aid could have arrived more swiftly. He pointed out the complexities involved in dealing with Myanmar's military government, which restricts NGO operations and impacts the efficiency of international aid responses.