In line with the recent Japan quake aftermath, Google set up this service that acts like a middle ground of sorts for information and it could be pretty effective.
The idea behind it is people on the side of the calamity can create records within the Google cloud regarding themselves or people they know. It will allow people to somehow look for names and information through the created database.
It does have a disclaimer that none of the information is verified and as such may also be used in a negative light. You can try it out here.