Andhra Pradesh declares drought in 21 districts, 283 mandals severely affected
· India · Indian Express, The Hindu
The Andhra Pradesh government declared drought in 21 of its 26 districts on October 1, 2026, covering 388 mandals, with 283 classified as severely affected and 105 as moderately affected. The declaration was made ahead of the October 31 deadline following a recommendation by a high-level Drought Committee on September 30. The decision was based on a 53.4% rainfall deficit during June–August 2026, with only 197.6 mm received against the normal 424.3 mm, exacerbated by El Niño conditions. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu linked the crisis to underutilised Godavari floodwaters, suggesting interlinking with Cauvery could alleviate drought in Rayalaseema. The YSRCP criticised the exclusion of Nellore district, claiming several mandals there received insufficient rainfall. The order was issued under the Manual for Drought Management, 2016, by the Revenue (Disaster Management) Department.
Why it matters
Farmers in the 283 severely affected mandals face crop losses and livelihood threats due to moisture deficit. Water scarcity may also impact drinking supply and livestock in Rayalaseema and other drought-hit regions.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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