USAID: Earthquake and Tsunami Relief

The most effective way people can assist relief efforts is by making cash contributions to humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief operations, such as the ones on our List of Relief Organizations.

• List of Relief Organizations Working in the Disaster Area
• USAID's Guide to Effective Giving/ Volunteer Information
• Center for International Disaster Information
• Field Operations Guide

USAID encourages cash donations because they: allow aid professionals to procure the exact items needed (often in the affected region); reduce the burden on scarce resources (such as transportation routes, staff time, warehouse space, etc); can be transferred very quickly and without transportation costs; support the economy of the disaster-stricken region; ensure culturally, dietary, and environmentally appropriate assistance. SOURCE: USAID