Big Relief Charities Not Ready for Major Disaster, Says Report

The major relief charities are not ready to fully respond to victims’ needs in the event of another catastrophe like Hurricane Katrina, according to a new government report, says The New York Times and The Washington Post.

“In a worst-case, large-scale disaster, the projected need for mass care services would far exceed the capabilities of these voluntary organizations without government or other assistance,” said the Government Accountability Office, which conducts research and analysis for members of Congress.

The report follows news that the American Red Cross is seeking $150-million in federal aid to help pay for its work in helping victims of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The government’s study found that the Red Cross, Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, and the Southern Baptist Convention combined lack the resources to respond to another large-scale disaster.

(Free registration is required to view the Times and Post articles.)