An investigation by ProPublica and National Public Radio reveals how massively the American Red Cross botched the relief effort after Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Isaac devastated parts of the United States in 2012.
Americans donated hundreds of millions in disaster relief funds, but the Red Cross left behind “a trail of unmet needs and acrimony,” the combined research team reported this week. “The charity’s shortcomings were detailed in confidential reports and internal emails, as well as accounts from current and former disaster relief specialists.”
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Low points in the story include emergency vehicles diverted for use as props during executive news conferences, volunteers directed to drive empty supply trucks through hard-hit neighbourhoods to give the impression that relief was being delivered, and 30% of donated meals wasted because the Red Cross couldn’t find the people who needed them. (h/t to InsideClimate News)
