The state government declared drought for the Kharif 2026 season after a 53.4% rainfall deficit in June-August, with El Nino conditions cited as a driver.

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• The Andhra Pradesh government declared 388 mandals in 21 districts as drought-affected for the 2026 Kharif season, with the order reported on 2 October.
• Of these, 283 mandals are classified as severely affected and 105 as moderately affected, under Government Order No. 4.
• The state attributed the declaration to a 53.4% rainfall deficit during June-August 2026 and prevailing El Nino conditions.
• Average rainfall since 1 June has been 197.6 mm against a normal of 424.3 mm.
• Under the Drought Manual, Kharif drought is normally declared on 31 October, so this declaration came earlier than usual.
• Affected districts include Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Guntur, Prakasam, Kurnool, Anantapur, YSR Kadapa and Chittoor.
• Drought is reported to be severe in the combined Guntur and Prakasam districts and the Rayalaseema region.
• North Andhra districts of Vizianagaram and Anakapalli are also affected.
• Rayalaseema and South Andhra are hit hardest, with major crop losses in paddy, maize and coconut.
• Karnataka and Maharashtra have made similar drought declarations this season due to low rainfall and crop damage.
• The opposition has argued that more regions, particularly Nellore, should be added to the drought list.

Tags: AndhraPradeshDrought, ElNino, KharifSeason