Fact is what do we expect when we build houses close to rivers i.e., flood plains?
Many old settlements have simply developed nearby rivers (such as the capital...), mostly for agricultural (or perhaps economic) reasons. It's very well to criticise that for being out-of-date, but it's easier (and less futile) than uprooting a community and plonking them somewhere which is further from a river...
People go on about flood defences but would soon grizzle if income tax went up because of it.
One set of people would go on about flood defences, another would do the grizzling. I think the majority of folk would be fine with being taxed knowing it was going to helping flood victims.
What is the govt meant to do? Send a strongly word letter to god or advise people to start building arks??
I suppose aid for this kind of think falls within the role of the existing emergency services, so there isn't really that much for the government to do other than scrutinise and administer them.
Should Dave have stayed in his constituency? Well, I don't really see what he could've done there, other than hobnob with those in charge of the emergency services. But from a publicity perspective it was arguably not very wise. And certainly hasn't come at a good time for his leadership, with this alleged VONC proposal.