The problem with the practical aspects of this disaster is that time is of the essence. Charitable fundraising will be helpful but we have the ability to airlift supplies, water purification equipment and other assistance RIGHT NOW. It would seem inhuman not to help when Cholera is a threat to kill hundreds of thousands more while charitable funds are being raised.
This is an age-old argument about the function of government and the socialists have pretty much won the argument throughout the world. America has been a giveaway society since Franklin Roosevelt said the government has the responsibility to help the poor when they are suffering.
What do you think are the odds that India, Bangledesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia will put together a warning system such as that established for the Pacific Ocean? That will offer coastal cities some advance warning of the next possible tsunami? There were disasterous tsunamis in the Indian Ocean in1883, 1941, and 2004. Almost a 60-year cycle. The next in the Indian Ocen might (or might not) happen in 2064, give a take a year or two. I hope they're ready then...
Do you suppose they'll ask for us to pay for it?