mg, it seems to me that if pictures of the disaster can get out immediately then the organization via internet can start as rapidly. It takes a shift in mindset. Probably the biggest disaster in Haiti was the loss of UN professionals in the initial event. This and this discuss some of the issues. Sending clothes to the tropics might be a mistake. Sending raw and inappropriate food can be a mistake. However, if there is internet co-ordination maybe the goodwill of donors would be appreciated somewhere else. I love the metaphor of the thousand lights focused to a laser. Focus the laser on the immediate disaster, reflect the generosity where it can do good. And find someone or a corps of someones who can do the work, even at a distance, without political preening.