The leading role of an operation after a disaster corresponds to the National Society of the country itself. This responsibility and leadership is clearly recognized in all policies of the Movement, especially in the document "Principles and rules for performances in case of disaster".

When a disaster takes place, especially one that requires international help, PADRU should also maintain a detailed collaboration.

The first step should always be taken by the National Society affected by the disaster. The NS will get in touch with its Regional Delegations (or Country Delegation, if it was the case), alerting all systems ( PADRU , Geneva , including FACT/ERU, PNS).

From the standpoint of the Secretariat, a rapid agreement must be established between the Head of the Americas Department and the Head of Operations for the Americas/Pacific, depending on the size, type and circumstances of the disaster.

This agreement will establish who will be responsible for coordinating the external support to be canalized by the Secretariat during the first stage of relief.

Two possibilities can be posed:

A In the case of common disasters (small or medium size), the Americas Department will be responsible for coordinating the support to the operation through the corresponding Regional Delegation, supported by PADRU and the Head of Operations of the Disaster Management and Coordination Division. In this case, PADRU's personnel for supporting the Regional Delegation will report through the Head of the Regional Delegation of the sub-region where the disaster took place.

B In the case of an exceptionally large disaster or one that represents a huge load of work or that has special characteristics, the Head of Operations for the Americas/Pacific from the Disaster Management and Coordination Division, will be responsible for coordinating the support to the operation.

Automatically, the Head of PADRU will subordinated to the direction of the Head of Operations, for as longs as agreed for this specific operation.

•  The corresponding Regional Delegation will be totally involved and it will be asked for advice about the development of the operation, especially for the elaboration of the Appeal and the Action Plans.

•  In Geneva, a special work team could be established ("Task Force"), integrated by the Americas Department, the Disaster Management and Coordination Division and other relevant departments.