Excellent analysis Nik.

In the press there are reports of a number of private and organised efforts to capitalise on the terrible suffering and misfortune of the people who survived the physical battering of being tossed around by a wall of water through buildings, cement rubble, vehicles and other debris.

Let us hope that all the decent people in the world will deplore the kind of mentality that attempts to gain from the misfortune of others.

Keep those donations coming guys. A number of organisations are doing brilliantly in getting essential medical supplies, water purification tablets, water, and emergency surgery and surgeons to the wounded. However their efforts are just bearing fruit, as transport and access have been terribly difficult. Try to scrutinise the organisations you donate to as best you can. Right now the international aid agencies are the best bet for the initial response. Longer term, the UN government sponsored efforts will provide rehabilitation programs. I'm investigating finding a local organisation at grass roots level, I'll post again if I find some effective target for donations at the community level.

Again congratulations Nik, for pointing out the lack of track record for this organisation in providing international crisis aid and relief

best

Nya