Wed Sep 24 00:45:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

Heavy rainfall in the Marathwada and Western Maharashtra regions of India has caused severe flooding, affecting over 150 villages and resulting in at least five deaths. The most affected districts are Dharashiv, Beed, Solapur, and Ahilyanagar. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Army teams are conducting rescue operations, having already saved hundreds of people and livestock. The Maharashtra government has approved ₹2,215 crore in aid for affected farmers, but farmers are saying this is insufficient to cover their losses and long-term damage. Opposition leaders are calling for larger relief packages.

**News Article:**

**Maharashtra Floods: Thousands Displaced, Millions in Relief Approved, but Farmers Demand More**

**Solapur, Maharashtra – September 24, 2025** – Relentless rainfall continues to batter Maharashtra, leaving a trail of destruction across the Marathwada and Western Maharashtra regions. Catastrophic flooding has displaced thousands, claimed at least five lives, and impacted over 150 villages. Dharashiv, Beed, Solapur, and Ahilyanagar are among the hardest-hit districts.

Images emerging from the region show residents wading through waist-deep floodwaters, with homes and roads submerged. Rescue operations are underway, spearheaded by 18 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and the Indian Army. Inspector Pankaj Chaudhary of the NDRF confirmed that over 320 individuals have been rescued in the past 24 hours, along with domestic animals. Dramatic rescues included a newborn baby and mother trapped in rising floodwaters in the Beed district.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts continued heavy to very heavy rainfall over Madhya Maharashtra from September 25th to 29th, raising concerns that the situation could worsen in the coming days.

The Maharashtra cabinet has approved a ₹2,215 crore relief package for 31.54 lakh affected farmers. Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that ₹1,829 crore has already been disbursed, with the remainder to follow within 10 days. He also noted that damage assessments are underway to expedite relief for deaths, livestock losses, and damaged homes.

However, farmers on the ground are expressing deep dissatisfaction with the government’s response. Ashok Pawar, a farmer from Dharashiv, argued that the aid, averaging ₹8,500 per hectare, is woefully inadequate to cover losses and rehabilitation costs. “What about farmers’ Diwali?” he questioned, emphasizing the financial devastation facing agricultural communities.

Sandeep Deshmukh, a farmer from Nanded, voiced concerns about the long-term impact on soil fertility, stating that it could take 4-5 years to revive his land’s productivity. “No one is talking about that. I am worried about the loan and repayments.”

Opposition leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar of NCP-SP, have called for a significantly larger relief package of ₹10,000 crore and urged banks to halt EMI deductions from farmers’ accounts.

The heavy rainfall has not only caused immediate flooding but also resulted in the release of excess water from the Dhalegaon High Level Dam into the Godavari river basin, further exacerbating the situation. The Godavari River is currently flowing above the warning level.

As Maharashtra grapples with the ongoing crisis, the focus remains on rescuing those stranded, providing immediate relief, and addressing the long-term needs of the devastated agricultural communities.

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