The United States' internationally recognized Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) can no longer deploy in emergencies due to recent changes in U.S. foreign aid operations, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.

DARTs, known for their rapid response capabilities, have played a crucial role in humanitarian crises such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, and conflicts in Iraq and Syria. However, in the wake of a funding freeze for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), these teams are facing severe operational challenges.

According to USAID employees who spoke on condition of anonymity, the four active DART teams in Afghanistan, Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine have been significantly affected, with some staff ordered to return to Washington and others losing access to essential communication systems.

The disruption is linked to broader restructuring efforts within the U.S. government, which include plans to merge USAID into the State Department and reduce its workforce. A recent notice to USAID staff indicated that only 600 essential workers out of a total 10,000 would be retained, though details on personnel reductions remain unclear.

Marcia Wong, former deputy head of USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), expressed concern over the impact of these changes. "The DARTs are a highly visible and effective projection of U.S. interest in saving lives and helping people in crisis," she said.

DART teams are designed to mobilize within 24 to 48 hours of a disaster, with members prepared to deploy at a moment’s notice. In past missions, they have coordinated with military and federal agencies, utilizing helicopters, boats, and even animals to deliver aid to remote locations.

Despite their critical role in emergency response, the future of the DART system remains uncertain, raising concerns among humanitarian experts about U.S. preparedness for the next global crisis.