The devastation caused by Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh is similar to that seen in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. But funds for rehabilitation work following the most recent Asian disaster are insufficient for the scale of the crisis.

So far, HelpAge International and Help the Aged have been able to directly meet the immediate needs of 5,000 older people and their families.

But thousands are still in need of resources to rebuild homes, health and livelihoods. It is estimated that a further £500,000 is needed to reach more older people affected.

Elizabeth Coates, Head of International Affairs at Help the Aged said: "A quarter of those still displaced are older people. Many do not receive any financial help. They rely on extended family and neighbours for shelter, and some are sleeping in the ruins of their homes.

"Many also have to care for children, although their foodstocks and crops have been wiped out."

ONGOING SUPPORT

HelpAge International has been working in partnership with the Bangladesh Resource Integration Centre (RIC), establishing Older People's Associations (OPAs) to provide support in times of need.

In the immediate wake of the cyclone the OPAs identified vulnerable older people and ensured that they were able to access relief. OPAs set up before the cyclone played a vital role in conveying early warnings about Sidr, saving thousands of lives.

Looking to the future, Richard Blewitt, Chief Executive of HelpAge International said: "The OPAs are well placed to identify risks, available resources and what might be needed to reduce the risk of disaster in the future."

The OPAs are now arranging healthcare and counselling for trauma, and providing seeds and seedlings to replace crops wiped out by the cyclone. They are also helping older people access any state benefits available to help them get back on their feet.

REBUILDING LIVES AND LIVELIHOODS

Lila Bishwash, President of the Kathalia village OPA, explains how the association has helped increase her financial independence, social standing, and resilience in the face of disaster:

"Before joining the OPA we didn't have access to state pensions or widows' allowances. Now half of our members receive allowances. Those who are getting allowances get extra care and more respect from family members.

"The monthly allowance of 220 taka (US$3) is spent on household items such as clothes or medicines, or used to take out leases on land.

"I use my pension to make mats out of hogla leaves. In October, a month before the cyclone, I spent 2,500 taka (US$37) on a land lease to grow the hogla. I will make 200 mats, which I will sell in the market for 40 taka (US$0.6) each. Since the cyclone, we have not been able to make mats as we have been too busy clearing the destruction."

Over the next three months HelpAge International and Help the Aged will assist more than 500 older people and their families to reconstruct their homes and supply seeds and fertiliser to help them regain agricultural livelihoods.

We desperately need more money to support this vital work.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

You can make a donation to the Bangladesh cyclone relief work through Help the Aged, on their website http://www.helptheaged.org.uk/en-gb/HowYouCanHelp/Donate/Appeals/BangladeshCyclone/hh_bangdonate_211107.htm

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched an appeal to help survivors of the cyclone. To make a donation, visit the DEC website http://www.dec.org.uk/

The DEC is an umbrella organisation that launches and coordinates the UK's national appeal in response to major disasters overseas. HelpAge International's partner organisation, Help the Aged, is one of its members.