It could also be a major earthquake where the terrestrial communications networks are disrupted and rescue workers need to coordinate a huge relief effort.
In the Maldives, which were hard hit by the tsunamis, UNICEF and UN sister agencies are working with the government to coordinate an international relief effort that will include the immediate provision of water purification supplies, food, clothing for children, shelter supplies, and other basics.
In the aftermath of the tsunami, UNICEF, with the help of local authorities and relief organizations, coordinated a huge relief operation.
Deputing a nodal person at the district level to coordinate all relief efforts including being made by various sectors may help strengthen this aspect.
A brainy, 37-year-old physician with little government experience, Dr. Shah suddenly found himself coordinating a desperate emergency relief effort under the gaze of President Obama.
Mr. Armour's team had gone to Yogyakarta two weeks ago to coordinate relief for a possible eruption of Mount Merapi, a volcano north of the city that has been stirring lately.
The action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts necessitated by the storm, a Category 4 hurricane packing winds of 140 mph (220 kph).
The U.N. is also mobilizing an emergency response team to help coordinate humanitarian relief efforts, which will be on the ground shortly.
President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency in Florida, a move that authorized the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts. .
In reality the UN has no direct control over nonprofits, making it difficult to coordinate the relief efforts and ensure all the aid provided is appropriate an well done.
