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25 June 2008 Pitt review underlines need for prevention and sharper response in disaster relief Responding to the publication of the independent review of last summer's floods by Sir Michael Pitt, Michael Lake, Director General of Help the Aged comments: 'Sir Michael Pitt ought to be congratulated on the production of a thorough report which pulls no punches in assessing how last year's floods were handled. It's clear that there needs to be greater direction from central Government and clearer lines of responsibility between the many different agencies and authorities that had to respond. 'The floods were a tragedy that affected many people. Older people were hit particularly hard. In emergencies such as this, it is often the most vulnerable who suffer most and those less able to evacuate quickly who need special attention. We all tend to regard disasters as phenomena that only strike other countries - events such as last year's flooding remind us all that our own communities are equally fragile. Wherever tragedies like this occur - whether it is here in the UK, in New Orleans or in Myanmar more recently - the misery that is caused requires the very best response possible. 'It is a tragedy that there are still older people in the affected areas who are unable to return to their homes. The distress this has caused is immeasurable. Events such as last year's floods do awaken people to the potential threats of an emergency such as this - Help the Aged hopes lessons are learned so that the needs of older people are put centre stage in any emergency planning and response. However, the resilience of local communities to bounce back in the face of adversity is clear, but prevention and early warning must be enhanced even further in the future.' Help the Aged has also commissioned a report on how older people specifically were affected by the 2007 summer floods. Publication of that report is expected in 2009.
Notes to Editors: Sir Michael Pitt's review is available by visiting http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/thepittreview Help the Aged is the charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people in the UK and overseas from poverty, isolation, neglect and ageism. It campaigns to raise public awareness of the issues affecting older people and to bring about policy change. The Charity delivers a range of services: information and advice, home support and community living, including international development work. These are supported by its paid-for services and fundraising activities - which aim to increase funding in the future to respond to the growing unmet needs of disadvantaged older people. Help the Aged also funds vital research into the health issues and experiences of older people to improve the quality of later life. |
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