HelpAge International is to provide assistance to over 100 older people and their families in two townships affected by the earthquake in China.

Over 67,000 people have died since the earthquake struck Sichuan Province on 12 May and an estimated 15 million people have been displaced.

Houses, schools, roads, water pipes and electricity lines have been damaged or destroyed. Many people are without food and shelter.

HelpAge International will be providing cash grants to older people worst affected by the disaster in the townships of Pingbian and Yaoji. We have been working in partnership with Sichuan University in these townships since 2003 to develop and support Older People’s Associations.

Cash grants for essential items

In Pingbian, the houses of 51 older people have been damaged and in Yaoji 325 older people now have no place to live. HelpAge International will be working through Older People’s Associations to identify those most in need and provide them with cash grants to buy essential items.

Peter Morrison, HelpAge International Programme Manager for China, says: “Many older people have lost their homes and most of their household items. By delivering cash grants we will be helping older people and their families to meet their immediate needs such as food and shelter.”

Focusing on older people’s needs

Older people face particular challenges during emergencies, but are not often identified as a vulnerable group. HelpAge International is the only international organisation focusing on the needs of older people.

We will be working with partners to ensure that they are able to access the aid and support they need.

HelpAge International is supported by its partner, Help the Aged, who since 2007 has been supporting our work with older people in Sichuan Province through the Sponsor a Grandparent programme.