Wed Sep 24 08:34:37 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

Intense rainfall in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India, has caused significant damage to crops and infrastructure, resulting in eight deaths. Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne assured affected farmers that they will receive financial aid before Diwali and indicated the government is considering declaring a “wet drought.” Crop loss surveys are underway, and the government has already begun transferring funds to farmers for earlier losses. Loan recovery will also be paused in affected areas.

**News Article:**

**Marathwada Region Devastated by Rains; Government Pledges Aid Before Diwali**

**Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, September 24, 2025** – Torrential rains have wreaked havoc across the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, leaving eight people dead and causing widespread damage to homes and crops. The unusually heavy rainfall in September has been described as more destructive than previous downpours, prompting concerns about a potential “wet drought.”

Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne addressed reporters today, assuring farmers that the state government is taking the situation seriously and will provide financial assistance before the Diwali festival. “Farmers are in trouble,” Bharne acknowledged, noting the extensive damage, particularly in the Nanded district. He added that while the decision to declare a “wet drought” rests with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputies, the immediate priority is providing relief to affected communities.

Crop loss surveys are being conducted on a “war footing” by the revenue and agriculture departments. The Minister stated that approximately 30 lakh hectares of land have been affected this month, and the aid package will be larger than previous allocations.

The government has already begun transferring funds into the bank accounts of farmers who suffered losses prior to September. Additionally, banks will be instructed to halt loan recovery efforts in rain-affected areas. “The loan recovery in the areas where losses occurred should stop for now,” Bharne confirmed.

While Maharashtra Minister Gulabrao Patil previously called for the declaration of a wet drought in Jalgaon district and parts of Marathwada, the state government’s final decision is pending consideration of the central government’s criteria. The focus remains on immediate financial relief for farmers ahead of the upcoming Diwali celebrations.

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