Age International and other leading UK aid agencies have launched an appeal with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to help survivors of the devastating Nepal earthquake.

The DEC Nepal Earthquake Appeal is being fronted by actress Joanna Lumley, a long-time Age International and Age UK supporter.

Ms Lumley says: ‘Like so many others watching the shocking images from Nepal over the last few days, I’m deeply saddened by events and my thoughts are with all those struggling to survive.’

‘The Nepalese are a resilient people but this catastrophe has hit them very hard. They’re desperately in need of life-saving help and I hope British people will support us.’

Older people vulnerable

Saturday’s 7.8 quake struck west of the capital Kathmandu. The death toll has risen above 3,600 and is expected to rise still further with 5.3 million people living in areas hit by severe shaking. Aftershocks have been felt with remote villages still to be reached, cut-off by landslides and communications wiped out.

Chris Roles, Director of Age International, says: ‘As is so often the case following emergencies, older people are among the most vulnerable. They find it more difficult to flee; are less able to carry possessions with them; and are more susceptible to the cold and hard floors on which they are sleeping.’

We are aiming to deliver essential temporary shelter and healthcare and to replace destroyed possessions, such as blankets, mattresses, clothing and cooking equipment.