Preliminary assessments show many older people left homeless

HelpAge International is supporting the efforts of the YMCA to bring relief to those affected by Cyclone Nargis. Some 3,000 people have already been reached in the districts of Hlaingtharya, Bogalay and Labutta, where the YMCA has set up three community kitchens providing cooked food and distributing rice for those who are able to cook themselves. YMCA staff and volunteers are also providing health check-ups and basic medicines.

HelpAge International has been working with the YMCA in Myanmar, in collaboration with the Ministry of Rehabilitation and Social Affairs, for over five years to deliver home care for vulnerable older people. Two of the home care programmes are in villages affected by Cyclone Nargis and initial assessments have shown that 65 older people’s homes have been destroyed.

Over the weekend, 50 older people were taken by YMCA staff to the YMCA office in Yangon where they received food and health check-ups. During the coming weeks, HelpAge International and the YMCA hope to expand their activities to reach two further districts affected by the cyclone. They are also seeking ways to continue their relief efforts for a further six months.

Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar on Saturday 3 May with winds of up to 150mph which swept away homes and destroyed crops. The death toll, now feared to have reached over 100,000, continues to rise. 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.

Godfred Paul, HelpAge International Regional Emergency Co-ordinator, says: “Working with our local partner, the YMCA, we have been able to start helping the people affected by this disaster.”

“It is important to assess older people’s needs and ensure that they are included in the relief effort. It is essential that in addition to providing short-term aid such as food, water, shelter and healthcare, long-term mechanisms to rebuild livelihoods are also put in place. We will be meeting with the YMCA and relevant authorities over the next few days to discuss ways of taking this forward."

HelpAge International, together with its partner, Help the Aged, is committed to support efforts to alleviate the situation of older people affected by the disaster.

-ends-

Notes to Editors

1.Godfred Paul, HelpAge International Regional Emergency Co-ordinator, is in Thailand and is also available for interview. To arrange an interview, please contact Julia Pitman on +44 207 278 7778 / +44 7980 623083 or email jpitman@helpage.org

2. HelpAge International has a vision of a world in which all older people fulfil their potential to lead dignified, healthy and secure lives. HelpAge International is a global network striving for the rights of disadvantaged older people to economic and physical security; healthcare and social services; and support in their caregiving role across the generations.

3.Help the Aged (HtA) funds HelpAge International and its partners and affiliates to respond directly in the field. Help the Aged raises funds from its own supporters in the UK through direct marketing and is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).