HelpAge International estimates that up to 200,000 older people have been affected by Pakistan’s worst floods in 80 years.
The figure for those who have died in the monsoon floods has now risen to 1,500 and estimates of those affected are currently 2.5 million. These figures may yet rise.
Flood waters have washed away thousands of acres of crops, government buildings, schools, clinics, markets, bridges, railway tracks and homes.
Targeting the most vulnerable
HelpAge is planning to respond to the emergency in partnership with medical aid agency Merlin.
The emergency response will target the most vulnerable older people and their families in Nowshera district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In the coming days and weeks we hope to distribute mobility aids, hearing aids, and emergency health assessment kits. We will also distribute food, emergency households items such as flashlights, bedding and water containers.
Asma Akbar, Programme Manager for HelpAge in Pakistan said:
“For the last five years, we’ve worked with partner Merlin to help older people recover from the impact of the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir. Now we have new challenges and a new disaster to deal with.”
Before, during and after the floods
HelpAge is committed to working long-term to improve older people’s lives in Pakistan.
Together with Merlin, we have worked in 17 health centres in conflict zones. We have provided 24 hour medical care services to 200,000 people, with a special focus on older people’s needs.
We fund eye tests and cataract surgery for thousands of older people each year, improving their quality of life through better sight.
Through our policy work in Pakistan, we’re:
- Pushing for a national pension
- Contributing to legislation to improve older people’s lives
- Training government and NGO staff on older people’s issues.
DEC Pakistan Floods Appeal
In the UK, the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) has opened the DEC Pakistan Floods Appeal.
The money raised will help fund the life-saving work in Pakistan of the DEC’s Members, including AgeUK and HelpAge International.
For more details go to the DEC website