The Problem of Authority and Information Needs
It is characteristic in all major disasters that many regard their role to assess survivors' needs. There may be confusion within government departments about where this responsibility lies.

Health, housing and emergency planning officials have often regarded it as their particular task. In addition, groups such as the military frequently make their own assessments-as do voluntary organizations, and representatives of international agencies. They often do so either to suit their own views and operational policies, or as verification of official assessments which they may be inclined to distrust, or which may not be sufficiently detailed for their purposes.

Given this situation, if the government is to maintain full control during disasters can it enter into a close working relationship with all assisting agencies and groups, and still maintain full control? Is it necessary for government to maintain full control during disasters?