It was the worst cyclone to hit Bangladesh since 1970. Crops and livestock perished, sources of drinking water were left contaminated, and fallen trees blocked supply lines.

Unable to reach aid and vulnerable to disease, thousands of older people in Bangladesh were living without any shelter, food or medical supplies.

Help the Aged and HelpAge International immediately responded through our local partner in Bangladesh, the Resource Integration Centre (RIC).

Halim, 65, did not eat properly for days

The RIC worked with local older people’s associations to identify those families most in need and distribute food packages.

The traditional mix of rice, potato and pulses that was being distributed in most cyclone shelters is difficult for older people to digest, so the RIC arranged for them to receive softer foods.

Now that the need for food aid has been met, we are helping older people to restore their livelihoods by providing things like seedlings, fertilizer and fishing gear. 

We are also working to combat the low awareness of disaster risk and help communities to prepare for future disasters.

Sarah Packwood, a relief worker for HelpAge International, was in Bangladesh after Cyclone Sidr. Read her blog

View our Bangladesh Cyclone photo gallery