‘Pitiful’: experts condemn initial US aid contribution for Nepal flood victims
Sum of $500,000 has been increased as death toll passes 1,000 but specialists decry Trump dismantling of USAID
TL;DR
- Aid experts denounced the US's initial $500,000 emergency fund for Nepal flood victims as 'embarrassing' and 'pitiful'.
- The death toll from the Nepal floods has surpassed 1,000, with thousands still unaccounted for.
- The US has since increased its aid to $3.6 million, intended for food and essential items.
- Specialists suggest the current US aid is inadequate, attributing this to the dismantling of USAID after Donald Trump's return to the White House.
- The state department defends the US response as fast and flexible, stating that USAID's dissolution has not hindered their efforts.
- Former USAID officials and experts like Mark Ward and George Ingram expressed disappointment and embarrassment over the initial sum.
- Current relief efforts in Nepal are largely being led by India and China.
- Concerns are raised about US interests being served if regional powers like China and India take the lead in disaster response.