When human lives and property are devastated by extreme natural calamities, acts of kindness often emerge from the most unexpected places. Last month, over 400 lives were tragically lost in landslides that obliterated three villages in Wayanad, leaving behind enormous damage to property and agricultural crops. Aid continues to pour in, not just from within the state but from across the world, to support those affected. However, it will be a long time before the people of Wayanad can move past the horrific memories of this disaster. A memorandum detailing the actual damages is being prepared to submit to the central government, with hopes that federal assistance will soon follow.

In the interim, the emergency relief provided by the state government has brought some solace to the affected families. Six lakh rupees have been paid to the dependents of the deceased and proportionate financial assistance is being provided to the injured through direct bank transfers. Government-level discussions on rehabilitation measures have already begun. According to findings from an expert committee, human habitation in areas devastated by the landslides is no longer advisable. The plan is to resettle the affected individuals in safer locations. For those who survived this natural calamity, no amount of aid can replace the loss of loved ones but society and the government must do everything possible to provide comfort and support.

In the state-level bankers' committee meeting held yesterday, the Chief Minister proposed writing off the bank loans of the people from Mundakkai, Chooralmala and Punchiri Mattam—areas hardest hit by the landslide. It is now up to the respective banks to decide on this matter. We trust that the banks will recognize and fulfill this social responsibility. A total of 35 crore rupees in loans are owed by 3,220 people across twelve bank branches in the disaster zones. For the banks, this amount is not insurmountable. These financial institutions, which write off thousands of crores in bad loans every year, can easily forgive the 35 crore rupees owed by the victims in Wayanad. This gesture would be a small but significant contribution to helping those who have lost everything rebuild their lives.

The bankers' committee has already decided to restructure existing loans, offer new loans for small enterprises, and provide low-interest loans of up to Rs 25,000 to those in the affected areas. Additionally, banks will assist those who have taken insurance along with home construction loans and grant moratoriums on loans to traders and small entrepreneurs. These measures demonstrate the banks’ goodwill. However, this goodwill would be truly complete if the loans of the affected people were entirely written off, given the extraordinary circumstances.

Meanwhile, the actions of certain state rural bank branches, which hastily collected loan installments from government-allocated relief funds, have been widely condemned. It is commendable that, in response to public outrage, these banks have taken steps to return the improperly charged amounts. Nevertheless, the behaviour of those bank officials who acted without understanding the severity of the situation is deeply disappointing and unworthy of the society they serve.