August has been cursed with several massive disasters, some which have drawn wide media attention and others that have fallen under the radar. With the increased frequency of disasters this month, we wonder how many disasters is one too many before a fatigued public shuts them all out.

This month has seen devastating events wreak havoc on vulnerable people and to areas still being haunted by ghosts of disasters past. There are 3.7 million people affected by the floods in North Korea; more in Peru where an 8.0 earthquake destroyed cities and cost over 600 lives; thousands in the state of Ohio which is experiencing the worst flooding in almost 100 years; and, with a new hurricane season upon us which threatens the fragile Gulf Coast as the second anniversary of Katrina approaches, more people are threatened. Destruction is seemingly everywhere.

Operation USA is on alert, preparing to respond whenever and wherever possible. Despite so many disasters, we send aid where we know it will be most effective. When responding to a disaster, our goal is to look at gaps that need to be filled and determine how our agency can meet that need. Rather than clog relief channels with unneeded materials or an excess of certain supplies, we strive to work with the communities and ensure that their needs are being met.

For example, Peru has a sizeable community in Los Angeles so our first step was to send an Operation USA staff person to a meeting at the Peruvian consulate in L.A. We were able to advise on the collection of appropriate items and deter the community from collecting and sending difficult to distribute items such as used clothing and canned foods. We are following up with our own relief shipment that includes medical supplies and other items deemed necessary by organizations in Peru.

Operation USA does not leave once the media lights have faded. As with Hurricane Katrina, where we are still funding non-profit clinics, educational and traumatic stress programs, we will, funds permitting, work with communities in Peru to provide assistance and recovery aid after the emergency phase has passed.

Operation USA is currently collecting funds and screening corporate offers of bulk supplies as well as building a supply reserve to enable us to rapidly respond to the next one.

Despite the frequency of disasters, we must not turn a blind eye to people who need our help. After 28 years, Operation USA has a deep understanding of the needs of disaster victims. No matter how daunting the statistics and images look to all of us, even a small contribution makes a big difference. To donate online, click here or call our offices directly at 1-800-678-7255.

To read further on the disasters of 2007, please click here.