It is now estimated that about 74,000 people died as a result of the earthquake that caused widespread devastation in Kashmir and north-west Pakistan on 8 October 2005.

One year later, the approach of winter caused concern for more than 30,000 people still living in temporary shelter in and around the city of Muzaffarabad, and up to 1.8 million others  living in temporary shelter close to their home villages.

Older people were among the worst affected during the earthquake. They found it difficult to access relief packages and shelters, or appropriate health services.

In Indian-administered Kashmir HelpAge International is working with affiliate HelpAge India and local partner, Global Greenpeace.

In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, HelpAge International is working with British relief agency Merlin’s primary healthcare teams, to improve older people’s access to essential healthcare and counselling services.

Treating the survivors

In Indian-administered Kashmir, HelpAge India responded immediately to the earthquake by providing emergency medical assistance from its mobile medical unit based in Jammu.

Now a new unit, based in the Kashmiri town of Baramullah, continues to bring vital medical and healthcare services to many remote rural communities where no other support is available.

HelpAge India also provided emergency shelters to around 800 families who had lost their homes.

It is now providing micro-hydro power generators to supply remote communities with electricity throughout the winter.

As well as heating and lighting homes, this will provide a cost-effective power source for local artisans such as tailors and blacksmiths, helping older people to rebuild their livelihoods.

In Pakistan-administered Kashmir HelpAge International, in collaboration with Merlin, has been training health professionals to identify and treat age-related health conditions.

Surveys in 41 camps in and around Muzaffarabad found that some 8,400 older people were left isolated and vulnerable by the earthquake.

HelpAge International is working with these people to provide them with the necessary support and services.

Next steps

HelpAge India will continue to run its mobile medical unit throughout 2007, with funding from Help the Aged UK.

Support for older people in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, through the programme with Merlin, will continue throughout the winter.

The programme is being extended to reach displaced people in camps around the city of Muzaffarabad and in the Neelum river valley, west of the city.