Very interesting comments by all.
Media releases by the relevant local authorities probably should be the media’s main focus, but the media could easily over-do and inappropriately highlight issues within the disaster that do not need immediate aid & relief and so funds/supplies from overseas donors may go to inappropriate areas, eg clothes surplus. Where possible (sometimes in a disaster there is little left), it should always be best to buy local because it stimulates the local economy that will always take a hit when faced with disasters.
Personally I know that our charity often has donors here wanting to send books, clothes etc to our recipient people in Kibera slum, Nairobi but costs arise in sending them. Financial aid is better for us because local goods can be purchased and that helps the community recover better.
