Private firms forcing people affected by landslide to repay loans, govt will take stern action, says minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister Mohammed Riyas said that some private money lending firms are forcing people affected by the landslide and seeking refuge in relief camps, to repay their loans. The minister said the issue was discussed in the cabinet meet. The minister criticized via a Facebook post.

His post said
It is condemnable and inhumane that some private financial firms are pressuring the people in relief camps, who lost their dear ones, to repay loans at this time. This issue was discussed in today's cabinet meeting. The representatives of the government will talk to the management of such financial institutions. The state government will take stern action if they continue with such a stance.

1381 people are staying in nine camps in Chooralmala area after struck by the landslides in Meppadi panchayat. The confirmed death toll from the landslide has risen to 224. Unofficial estimates indicate that more than 400 people lost their lives. 181 body parts have also been recovered. 154 people are missing. 88 people are in hospitals. 218 unidentified dead bodies were cremated yesterday.