DEC launch appeal to respond to Myanmar (Burma) cyclone
7 May 2008
The Disasters Emergency Committee will broadcast a national appeal for the DEC Myanmar (Burma) Cyclone Appeal tomorrow. As a member agency, Help the Aged will be supporting this appeal and will be working through partners in country to bring relief to affected older people and their families.
Help the Aged's international partner HelpAge International are coordinating an emergency response team to assess the situation of the estimated 170,000 older people in Myanmar affected by Cyclone Nargis. The team will arrive in the capital, Yangon, over the next few days.
Cyclone Nargis struck the southwest of the country on Saturday 3 May with winds of up to 150mph which swept away homes and destroyed crops. The death toll, currently estimated at 22,500, continues to rise and as many as one million people have been left homeless, with a further 41,000 reported missing.
A state of emergency has been declared in the five regions worst affected, where there is a desperate need for food, water, shelter, basic medicines and healthcare.
Older people are particularly vulnerable during emergencies, but are often left out of general relief efforts.
A state of emergency has been declared in the five regions worst affected, where there is a desperate need for food, water, shelter, basic medicines and healthcare.
Help the Aged and HelpAge International are the only organisations focusing specifically on the needs of older people and will be working with partners to ensure that those affected by Cyclone Nargis are able to access relief packages and health services.
The DEC appeal will be launched with a press conference tomorrow and messages broadcast on all main media channels throughout the day. As a key contributor to the DEC, Help the Aged will be promoting the appeal through its shops and online.
The number to donate is 0870 60 60 900 or you can donate online
