Beijing Sept 6 : Video footage showing that residents in the earthquake-stricken Chinese city of Chengdu were prevented from leaving their homes because of the Covid lockdown has caused online anger and disbelief according to a report in the media.People in Chengdu claimed they were advised to stay inside during the 6.6-magnitude earthquake that struck on Monday, which killed more than 65 people, BBC reported.
People who walked out of the area said they encountered exits closed because of Covid restrictions as per the report.
Chengdu is where there are 21 million inhabitants, is under strict lockdown regulations.
China has an alleged zero Covid policy, which means that lockdowns are imposed regularly in communities whenever cases of Covid are discovered.
In certain instances apartment buildings in which at least one person been tested positive for Covid have been designated “sealed areas” where residents are not allowed to set out from their homes, regardless of whether or not they carry the virus.
A video is claimed to be an audio recording of an audio message from a loudspeaker that read: “Go back home and don’t come this place it’s an earthquake.The people here in Sichuan have plenty of experience when it is about earthquakes.”
One person told the BBC he was forced to leave of the 30-storey building after feeling shakes.When he realized he was in a bind, he raised complaints among the crowd in the gate.
“Which of the two is more important? The earthquake or the lockdown?” Lu Siwei, a lawyer in Chengdu shouted.
His neighbor replied: “Do not incite emotions and don’t talk about politics.”
After several heated exchanges, Lu said the man attacked him physically, BBC reported.
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