Two responses to this are appropriate. One is getting in help as a matter of top priority. This is a far far greater disaster than September 11th was, and requires an appropriate level of response.

The second, longer term, response should be a new recognition of the way in which we are all of us on this planet potentially vulnerable to disasters of one sort or another, and that adequate contingency plans for reacting rapidly and adequately need to be in place. That means mechanisms for transmitting and receiving warnings, and for marshalling aid and help. And it has to be coordinated internationally.

September 11th was seen as a wake-up call. This is another wake-up call, on a far greater scale.