HelpAge International is planning to respond to the worst floods in Pakistan in 80 years in partnership with medical aid agency Merlin.
The emergency response will be targeted at the most vulnerable older people and their families in Nowsheria district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
1,000 dead, 1 million affected
At least 1,100 people have died in the monsoon floods and at least a million people have been affected with many having to shelter on the roofs of their houses, and in trees.
The flood waters have washed away thousands of acres of crops, government buildings, schools, markets, bridges, railway tracks and homes.
Older people’s safety a big concern
Alex Bush, Assistant Director of Programmes with HelpAge International said:
“HelpAge, in partnership with Merlin, will be rolling out an emergency response in the coming days focusing on the most vulnerable.
“We will be working with our partner community organisations who know the area well. Some areas are still cut off and this is making the response very difficult.
“Clearly, for older people there is the critical issue of mobility and ensuring they can reach high ground. It can be much more difficult for older people to climb to safety when flood water rises suddenly.
“More rains are expected, which will aggravate the situation. Older people’s safety will remain a big concern over the next few days and weeks.”