WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- The American Red Cross would be overwhelmed by a natural catastrophe or terrorist attack in key U.S. cities, a government survey says.
The Red Cross and other disaster relief charities aren't prepared to meet projected mass casualty needs from a major disaster in such cities as Washington, New York, Los Angeles and Miami, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office said in a study released Thursday.
The non-profit organizations have federal responsibilities for assisting the government in feeding and sheltering victims.
The report further criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency for not clearly explaining the roles each should play in a disaster, The Washington Post reported.
While spending about $80 million upgrading its equipment, the Red Cross, the nation's largest disaster relief organization, plunged into debt to provide aid after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
In an unusual step, it asked the U.S. Congress for $150 million in emergency funding.
| Additional News Stories | |
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 25 (UPI) --
A blog that ran a photograph of U.S. first lady Michelle Obama altered to make her appear ape-like removed the image Wednesday, the Los Angeles Times reported.
|
NEW YORK, Nov. 25 (UPI) --
U.S. actress, comedian and radio host Rosie O'Donnell says she hasn't enjoyed being single since her wife Kelli Carpenter moved out of their home two years ago.
|
NEW YORK, Nov. 25 (UPI) --
Crude oil prices made up for ground lost Tuesday and added some on the New York Mercantile Exchange, climbing to nearly $78 per barrel Wednesday.
|
|