The Department of State and the U.S. Embassy communicate with and track Americans affected by crises in foreign countries.
If You Are in a Foreign Country Involved in a Crisis:
If You Are in the United States
Families in the United States whose U.S. citizen relatives abroad may be directly affected by a crisis can contact the U.S. Department of State's Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management at 1-888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444).
Benefits for American Citizens Affected by an International Disaster
Some federal benefits may be available for American citizens affected by an international disaster. Take the DisasterAssistance.gov full pre-screening questionnaire or contact the U.S. embassy in the affected country.
International Disaster Response
The most efficient and effective way to help those affected by a disaster overseas is to make a monetary donation to a humanitarian organization that is implementing relief programs in the affected region. See the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Disaster Assistance webpage "How Can I Help?".