Cyclone Sidr caused devastation as it ripped through the southwestern coast of Bangladesh on 15 November 2007. 2,900 people are confirmed dead and it is feared that this figure will rise to 10,000.

Houses, roads, crops and trees have been demolished, leaving people homeless and in desperate need of food and shelter. It is estimated that 3.2 million people have been affected.

1 million people are currently staying in shelters. Those worst affected by the disaster are waged labourers, small traders, rickshaw and van pullers, share croppers and smallholders. Older people, women and children are particularly vulnerable.

Older people must be seen, heard and understood

HelpAge International’s partner, the Resource Integration Centre (RIC), has identified 65,000 older people and their families who are in need of assistance to meet their basic needs (health, food, water and shelter) and support to rebuild their  businesses and lives following the devastation. 

“It is a tribute to the precautionary measures taken that more people did not lose their lives,” said Haseeb Khan, Director of RIC. “It is essential now that older survivors get the support they need to recover. We will coordinate with other agencies to ensure older people’s needs are met and they are seen, heard and understood. They have a vital role to play in the recovery process.”

Local older people help coordinate relief effort

The local older people's association in Pirojpur district identified Jamini Mistri, an 80-year-old widow in immediate need of food and medical attention. Jamini suffers from chronic health problems.

Prior to the cyclone, she lived with her eldest son and his family, who provided her with one meal a day. The cyclone destroyed her home and her family left, leaving Jamini alone with no food. Jamini was unwilling to leave the demolished house for fear of losing what remained of her assets.

Older people’s associations are self-help groups which promote participation, dignity and respect for older people. In emergencies they help identify vulnerable older people and ensure they get the assistance they need.

HelpAge International's response

RIC, HelpAge International's partner in Bangladesh,  immediately deployed an emergency relief team to monitor the situation in the two worst affected districts of Pirojpur and Bagherhat, liaising with local older people's associations.

Within four days of the disaster they had distributed dry food rations to over 2,000 families. Distributions are ongoing and  over 22,000 families will be provided essential non-food items. HelpAge International's World Wide Emergencies Unit is also providing technical support to the response. Our affiliate in the UK, Help the Aged is releasing funds to support the relief effort.

How you can help

You can make a donation to the Bangladesh cyclone relief work through Help the Aged, via their website.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched an appeal to help survivors of the cyclone. To make a donation, visit the DEC website.

Watch the DEC Bangladesh Cyclone Appeal on YouTube.

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.