Fortunately, due to the prevalvence of CB radio in the area, the drivers got in touch with the locals directly, who jammed the local chamber of commerce into loaning some vacant storefront space and the food, tents and supplies were distributed in spite of the national "disaster relief" orgs. The local organizations, the CBers... The Ham radio operators. You. Me.
It should be the government's role to ask the locals what they need... and then supply it, and get OUT OF THE WAY.
More on that topic, and on America's D.P.s.
Travus T. Hipp Commentary [ September 01 2005 ]: On The State Of Disaster Relief In The U.S.: If you could do it for Woodstock, you could do it for Gulfport MS http://www.snurl.com/tth_050901 [ Mp3 Audio 64Kbps Mono 2.6mb 5:36min ]
Travus T. Hipp Commentary [ August 30 2005 ]: Suggesting Decentralized Charity - You know it's a disaster because the Red Cross is there... http://www.snurl.com/tth_050830 [ Mp3 Audio 64Kbps Mono 1.7mb 3:38min ]
Both links direct audio, stream or d/l.
Leigh www.leighm.net