Diaspora groups can make a major contribution to the disaster response, both directly through financial contributions as well as by mobilizing strategic political action. The degree to which they are able to do so depends on their own socio-economic status and the extent to which they continue to identify with their homeland, i.e. some, like the diaspora networks in the Middle East, have particularly strong ties with the countries of origin as they and their families are unable to acquire citizenship in their destination countries, thus retaining very real responsibilities in their homelands. Remittances sent home by migrants assist individuals, households and communities in coping with disasters and help reduce risk/vulnerability in the face of such an event by enabling individuals to fortify their economic base. In the aftermath of the Tsunami, there was a strong response by the diasporas linked to the affected countries.