Issue 5, October 2005 - From Indonesia to New Orleans, Pakistan, and beyond, the world community has pulled together to respond generously to the tragedies of the past year.

© NOAA, U.S. Dept. of Commerce

Nonetheless, natural disasters have been increasing in frequency, impact, and cost; are we any more prepared to deal with them—either before or after they occur? While apathy persists and governments are not always forthcoming with resources to support preparedness, lessons have been learned. Among these is recognition that long-term planning and building local capacity can lessen the impact of unforeseen events, especially on vulnerable populations and in the developing world.

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As the prevalence of disasters and their economic costs increase worldwide—with the poor bearing a disproportionate share of the hardship—there remains a lack of political will to take measures to lessen their impact.

After disasters strike, the first priority is coordinating responders—often in difficult and chaotic conditions—to save lives. Then the momentous task of rebuilding begins.

With renewed global attention on reducing the risks posed by disasters, there are many innovative programs that are already working around the world.

Deborah Tomasowa—and Mercy Corps—were in Banda Aceh days after last December's tsunami struck, helping deliver aid and return a sense of normalcy to those affected. Nine months later, they now focus on long-term recovery and sustainable development.

Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are at the front lines of disaster relief around the world everyday. Johan Schaar offers insights into how we can be better prepared when the next tsunami, Katrina, or other disaster occurs.

The international women's human rights group MADRE highlights the benefits of channeling relief aid through local community groups—and women in particular.

Governments and aid groups are looking at ways to better use new technologies to improve the coordination and delivery of aid.

The real challenge, in the case of any disaster, is to better integrate foreign and local assistance," says Nir Tsuk. "Ensuring that external resources amplify local efforts is a positive sum game."