Pakistan: Assessing older people’s needs
Asma Akbar (pictured right), HelpAge's Country Programme Manager for Pakistan, along with Project Coordinator Mahmood Ahmed have visited Nowshera District in Pakistan, one of the regions worst affected by the recent floods, to assess the needs of the region's older people.
At the moment, we are estimating that up to 200,000 older people have been affected by Pakistan's worst floods in 80 years. However, the number could be a lot higher. We have been out to some of the worst affected areas to talk to the older people and see how they are copingIn Kandar Polytechnic College, I met an older man (pictured above) with arthritis. I asked him if he had received any help, but he replied that he feels he can't ask anyone for food as a matter of dignity.
Many of the local population are living in camps and tents, having lost their homes and possessions in the torrential monsoon rains.
Pictured right, a retired accountant explains how he has been hungry for the last three days.
Along with many others, he has been sheltering in Kandar Polytechnic College near Nowshera, and is still searching for food for himself and his family.
In the days and weeks that follow, we hope to give out mobility aids, hearing aids, and emergency health assessment kits. We will also distribute food and emergency households items such as flashlights, bedding and water containers.
Donate to the DEC Pakistan floods appeal
Read more about HelpAge's work in Pakistan
