I know exactly what you mean sailor.
In Australia, the government has already setup a co-ordinating system to facilitate medical staff who wish to volunteer their time and expertise. Several of the airlines are flying these volunteer teams to the affected areas free of charge.
The company I work for is even providing equipment and personnel to assist in setting up data networks (for the rescue teams) in some of the affected areas; staff are being flown out by the company.
Unfortunately, I don't think they need my rather specific skill-set.
It's a financial donation from me. That's all I can do.
Coincidentally, this year I purchased several "gift certificates" as stocking fillers for my immediate family. Each certificate represented a donation of $50 or so for such things as "A goat for a poor family"; "adult literacy classes for one person"; "schooling for family for one year" etc etc. The countries where these funds were to be spent included India and Sri Lanka.
Now I feel compelled to donate more for the disaster victims. A goat or an orchard is no good if the people themselves are dead. :-(
Mr Mephisto