Graphic photos from The Devastation in the Philippines

[jeff47]

8. In the very short run, the helicopters on those carriers will be extremely helpful

But yes, they will quickly move on to needing the things you listed.

They need a million things I can't think of but they do not have because they are too poor.

No, they need one thing. Money. In local hands.

You lament what happened in Haiti, but a lot of that happened because people donated their old stuff instead of cash. People in disaster areas do not need an old cocktail dress and 4" heels.

Many of the groups that did receive money did a great job of syphoning off donations to pay themselves nicely. Others are global charities with a lot of overhead burning through donations on the way to the disaster area.

So if you want to help, try to find the most local charity you can, and give them cash. My personal recommendation is the Philippine chapter of the Red Cross, but that's mostly because I can't easily research Philippine charities.

They'll be able to use the money to buy the stuff they need, when they need it.