Stumbled upon this series of articles in an unusual place, gives quite a good overview.

Part 1: The Players
http://www.core77.com/blog/social_design/redesigning_international_disaster_response_part_1_the_players_20987.asp

Part 2: The Challenges
http://www.core77.com/blog/social_design/redesigning_international_disaster_response_part_2_the_challenges_20988.asp

Part 3: Looking to the US Military
http://www.core77.com/blog/social_design/redesigning_international_disaster_response_part_3_looking_to_the_us_military_20989.asp

Part 4: Current Innovation
http://www.core77.com/blog/social_design/redesigning_international_disaster_response_part_4_current_innovation_20990.asp