Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- Katrina's paperocracy -- What the press reported -- Dâejáa vu, 1950-2004 -- Rescue and relief -- Relief and recovery -- Recovery and religion -- Welfare for the rich and the poor -- Let's get real -- New roles for major players -- How government needs to change -- How the church needs to change -- One church's experience -- From tsunamis to malaria -- Religious entrepreneurs -- The need for civil society -- Earthquakes and nuclear terrorism -- Pandemic -- Beyond worry. Examines why the government failed those left stranded in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and discusses the importance of churches and the private sector in responding to major disasters.