Sri Lanka flood: Gov’t blamed for not informing people of danger

APD NEWS

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As the waters start to recede after the devastating flood in Sri Lanka, people are pointing fingers at the government. Many local people aren't impressed by the government's actions, saying they should have been received clearer warnings and guidance.

Pushpa Kumar, a retired military man, was shocked to find his restaurant ruined by floods in a few hours. He did not have time to save his belongings as the government’s warning alert never reached him.

CGTN’s Ravinder Bawa reports that many others like him are furious they were not apprised of the seriousness of the floods. Some of them could not control their emotions, as any talk of the disaster brings back horrific memories. But the government said that the Disaster Management Center did issue a warning on the May 24, which was two days before the flood.

Experts say due to climate change, floods will be a usual phenomenon in Sri Lanka and the government has to focus on adaptive measures.

People are angry that the structure of local governance is not in place, but the local government elections are not due for more than a year. In the absence of government representatives on the ground, citizens had no one to turn to in this time of crisis.

(CGTN)