The state governments of the affected states have limited resources. There are no communications within and to the outside of the affected areas. Most have no transportation in and out unless by boat or helicopter. My sister told me that at least one state has asked for volunteer boats. the states nor the Fed were anywhere near prepared for a disaster this big. Rolling the National Gaurd and Reserves takes time to assemble the men and supplies. Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania have sent Gaurd and reserves. They are bringing supplies for themselves so they aren't contibuting to the problem.
My point of view is that there isn't anybody in charge. Efforts will be duplicated. Volunteers aren't being utilized enough. Average ordinary guys and gals would have gotten the efforts going sooner and more organized. They wouldn't accept NO as an option. They would be like John Paul Jones who fought a naval battle on Lake Erie in the War of 1812. His ship was sinking and he was outnumbered. The Brittish commander ordered him to surrender. He's the one who said "Dam the torpedos, full speed ahead". His ship went ahead and attacked the Brittish ship, took it over and won the battle.