Sri Ma beach erosion

On July 15th, residents of the Sri Ma community received an “Emergency Evacuation Notice” signed by the Deputy Secretary of the AVFO, mentioning that “the sea erosion has reached a critical situation today and the buildings may collapse at any moment”. The notice advised that “all the residents and establishments running in the Srima community shall be evacuated immediately so that loss to life and property is avoided”. While it is true that sea erosion has affected Sri Ma dramatically over the last few months, there is mistrust of the AVFO’s motives due to their many land exchanges and rumours that Sri Ma may be targeted. The AVFO did not offer alternative housing for the affected residents. Sri Ma community have requested daily assistance with laying a geotextile to help slow down the erosion.