Disaster relief efforts in greater focus

[HONOLULU] The spectre of missing Flight MH370 will loom over a meeting of US and Asean defence ministers as they discuss how to improve their response to natural disasters and emergencies.

The agenda for the ministers gathering in Hawaii on Wednesday (Thursday S'pore time) - focused on bolstering cooperation for humanitarian assistance efforts - has taken on new significance in the wake of the aviation tragedy, officials said.

The often confused search for the missing Malaysia Airlines jet has sparked criticism of authorities in Kuala Lumpur and raised questions about the ability of regional governments to take joint action in an emergency.