Disaster Planning: Worldwide preparedness inadequate

A review commissioned by top United Nations emergency relief official, Jan Egeland, claims that worldwide preparedness for major disasters and the ability of the international community to respond quickly, provide fresh water, sanitation, food, shelter, and security are inadequate.

Commissioned before the effects of hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of the US, the report identifies major weaknesses in the international relief system including among non-governmental agencies (NGOs), donor organizations and UN agencies.

The report also recommends that in a humanitarian crisis, one lead organization take control, a concept that should be adopted "system-wide."