Dharashiv, Sep 24 (PTI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday assured farmers affected by heavy rains and floods in Dharashiv district that the state government would extend all possible assistance to help them recover.

Shinde toured flood-affected areas in the Marathwada district along with Shiv Sena leader Tanaji Sawant, interacting with farmers and residents who suffered losses due to the deluge. “The government will help all farmers who have suffered damages from the floods and recent torrential downpours,” he told reporters.

Over the past four days, unprecedented rains in Marathwada — which comprises eight districts, including Dharashiv — have claimed at least eight lives, marooned villages, damaged homes, and flattened crops on more than 30,000 hectares, officials said.

Shinde said personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had been deployed to rescue stranded people, with several airlifted to safer locations. He also appealed to political parties to refrain from politicising the tragedy and instead focus on helping those in need.

According to officials, the Marathwada region had recorded 823.8 mm of rainfall by Tuesday morning — 28.5 per cent above the average 640.8 mm expected for this period.