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Older People Talk About How the Tsunami Earthquake Disaster Has Affected Them
HelpAge International
January 17, 2005
Perumal, 75, Devanampattinam, Cuddalore, India
Perumal finally receives aid.
Older people are often forgotten in relief operations, as the story of 75-year-old Perumal of Devanampattinam, close to Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, illustrates.
When relief material was being distributed in his area, Perumal quietly stood alone in the remains of his thatched hut, refusing to join the hungry crowds jostling for aid.
When asked why he did not join in, Perumal shook his head and said, "It is no use. I have been pushed out on earlier occasions and have fallen on the ground. I know I will get nothing this time around too.
"Some cars came by and just threw the packets. The fastest gets the food, the strong one wins. The elderly and the injured don't get anything. We feel like dogs."
Perumal was brought to a HelpAge India distribution site where he finally received assistance. He has no way of earning a livelihood as he is too frail.
Kali, 60, Kovalam, Chennai, India
Kali's home was destroyed by the tsunami. He now lives in a bus shelter.
Kali, 60, lives in the small village of Kovalam, on the outskirts of Chennai.
He was searching for beetle nuts on the floor of his thatched hut when the tsunami hit. He could not walk but was saved by the local villagers.
Now he spends his time in a bus shelter across the road because his house was destroyed and he is afraid to go near the sea.
He says,"It is very cold at night but what can I do? I will live here as long as I have to. Perhaps until God takes me."
Dayawathi, 70, Sirisumana Vidayale relief camp, Matara, Sri Lanka
Dayawathi (left) lost her son, two grandsons and her home in the disaster.
Dayawathi is a widow who lost her son, two grandsons and her home in the disaster. Her son was a fisherman who provided the family's only income.
Dayawathi now has two granddaughters to look after. She is completely distraught and it is hard to see how she can ever recover.
She is grateful for the aid (bucket, sheet, sarong, candles, matches, mosquito coil and balm) but will need much more help - a new house, a means of income and a huge amount of support to help her cope with her loss.
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