The St Catherine Parish Disaster Planning Committee is trying to establish a disaster fund to assist persons who are victims of disaster more quickly.

Parish Disaster Coordinator Patricia Lewis said the sum being sought is about $500,000. She claims this money will allow help to reach disaster victims quicker than if they try to access funds from the parish council directly.

Lewis said that while the council will continue to assist the disaster committee, if there is a fund set up, then quicker and more direct assistance can be given.

"No structure has been in place to deal with natural or man-made disasters. The aim is to have one set up specifically for that component," she said.