The Agency for International Development (AID) of the U.S. Department of State administers most U.S. bilateral foreign aid for development. The AID Administrator is the President's Special Coordinator for International Disaster Assistance. The office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (ofDA) coordinates all U.S. Government assistance to help alleviate suffering of people affected or threatened by natural or manmade disasters that occur abroad. Persons in developing countries are the main beneficiaries of the program. In addition to providing emergency relief, AID's disaster assistance program aims to strengthen the capabilities of other governments to respond to disasters. It is hoped that such efforts will help decrease dependence on the donor community.

OFDA response to disasters takes place only at the request of a foreign government to the U.S. Ambassador in the affected area. The Ambassador must then declare the existence of a situation warranting U.S. Government assistance. Once that disaster declaration has been made, he/she has the use of up to $25,000 which may be used as a donation or as a vehicle to purchase locally-available supplies to aid in relief efforts. Any amount above $25,000 must be approved by the OFDA.