HelpAge International is coordinating an emergency response team to assess the situation of the estimated 170,000 older people in Myanmar affected by Cyclone Nargis. The team will arrive in the city of Yangon over the next few days.

Cyclone Nargis struck the southwest of the country on Saturday 3 May with winds of up to 150 miles per hour. The cyclone swept away homes and destroyed crops.

The death toll, currently estimated at 22,500, continues to rise and as many as one million people have been left homeless. A further 41,000 are reported missing.

A state of emergency has been declared in the five regions worst affected, where there is a desperate need for food, water, shelter, basic medicines and healthcare.

Older people are particularly vulnerable during emergencies, but are often forgotten in general relief efforts.

HelpAge International is the only organisation focusing on the needs of older people. We will be working with partners to ensure that those affected by Cyclone Nargis are able to access relief packages and health services.

How you can help

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched an urgent appeal to help those affected by the Myanmar cylcone.

You can donate online by visiting the DEC website or call 0870 60 60 900.

The DEC is an umbrella organisation that launches and coordinates the UK's national appeal in response to major disasters overseas. HelpAge International’s partner organisation, Help the Aged, is one of its members.