This is a classic problem of international aid.<p>In a nutshell, any indicators of progress revert completely when the aid stops flowing in with no lasting infrastructure/education/anything actually getting developed.<p>In short, the countries don't make any lasting progress, but are temporarily propped up and become entirely dependent on the aid.<p>Look at Africa for numerous examples of this phenomenon.<p>Of course, that's only a long term issue, in the short term you should absolutely send in as much food, shelter and medicine as possible.