Thailand floods

Millions of lives disrupted

According to our partner, HelpAge International, nearly 400 people have been killed, and more than nine million people affected by the unprecedented flooding. The country has been brought to a stand still, and will face the after effects of the floods for months to come.

Millions of people’s homes have been destroyed, and their livelihoods devastated. The agricultural industry has been severely hit, with three million acres of farmland damaged by the flood waters.

The impact on older people

Older people have been left particularly vulnerable in the aftermath of this disaster. Some have lost a lifetime of belongings and are suffering from emotional trauma. Many are physically unable to reach distribution centres, health services and other essential services, or simply afraid to leave their homes unattended. The government does not have enough boats or drivers to deliver assistance to those stranded. These older people need food, water, medicines and sanitation materials.

Sixty-six year old Chalerm and his wife live in a traditional Thai house in Chainat province. Although the house is raised three metres from the ground on stilts, the floor is awash with half a metre of water. ‘The waters are too strong and will wash away our essentials’, Chalerm says. He and his wife are scared to sleep in case the waters rise higher. ‘We want to leave’, he says, ‘but we are afraid that if we do someone will take away our only belongings. Then we do not know how we will live the rest of our lives’.

How we are helping

Working through our partner, HelpAge International, Age UK is providing food packages, drinking water, cash transfers and non-food items such as tissue rolls and detergents to older people affected by the floods. We are working with local organisations in the most seriously affected provinces of Ayuthaya, Singburi and Chainat to deliver much needed assistance to older people over the next three months.

However, as Godfred Paul, HelpAge International’s Senior Regional Programme Manager commented, ‘More definitely needs to be done, especially relief assistance and aid recovery as it could take up to six weeks for these catastrophic flood waters to recede. Food and water shortages are also still a problem in remote areas.'