Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Andhra Pradesh Declares Drought Across 388 Mandals Amid Rainfall Deficit
Andhra Pradesh has declared drought in 388 of its 688 mandals, which are local areas.
The affected mandals are in 21 districts.
The government says 283 are severely affected and 105 are moderately affected.
The state received much less rain than usual from June through August.
This shortfall helped lead to an early drought declaration for the 2026 Kharif season.
Farmers in Rayalaseema and parts of South Andhra are facing crop damage and water shortages.
The YSR Congress Party says some more areas, including parts of Nellore, should have been included.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has proposed linking rivers as a longer-term way to improve water supplies.
Karnataka and Maharashtra have also declared drought.
Andhra Pradesh declared drought in 388 of its 688 mandals across 21 districts.
The government classified 283 mandals as severely affected and 105 as moderately affected.
The state received 197.6 mm of rain from June 1 to August 31, against a normal 424.3 mm, a 53.4% deficit.
Rayalaseema and parts of South Andhra are among the hardest-hit areas, with crop losses and water stress reported.
The YSR Congress Party says additional areas, including parts of Nellore, should be covered; the declaration followed similar moves in Karnataka and Maharashtra.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh government declared the drought; the YSR Congress Party criticized the coverage, and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu proposed river-linking.
- What
- Drought was declared in 388 mandals, with 283 classified as severe and 105 as moderate.
- When
- The government order was issued on October 1, following a Committee on Drought meeting on September 30, for the 2026 Kharif season.
- Where
- Across 21 districts of Andhra Pradesh, including affected areas in Rayalaseema and South Andhra.
- Why
- The state cited a 53.4% rainfall deficit from June through August and drought indicators; the order also cited prevailing El Niño conditions.
Government action and rationale
Opposition criticism
Which areas should be declared drought-affected
Government action and rationale
The government declared 388 mandals across 21 districts using drought indicators and rainfall data, making an early assessment for the 2026 Kharif season.
Opposition criticism
The YSR Congress Party says more areas should be included and has specifically questioned the exclusion of parts of Nellore.
Timing of the declaration
Government action and rationale
The state issued its declaration on October 1, earlier than the October 31 deadline, after a September 30 committee recommendation.
Opposition criticism
YSR Congress Party representatives alleged the declaration was delayed despite worsening conditions.
Long-term water response
Government action and rationale
N. Chandrababu Naidu said using Godavari floodwater and linking the Godavari and Cauvery river systems could improve water availability in southern India.
Opposition criticism
The articles report the opposition's criticism of the drought assessment, but do not provide a specific response to Naidu's river-linking proposal.
- Total mandals
- 688
- Drought-declared mandals
- 388 across 21 districts
- Severity
- 283 severe; 105 moderate
- Rainfall, June 1–August 31
- 197.6 mm, compared with a normal 424.3 mm
- Rainfall deficit
- 53.4%
- Crops reported affected
- Paddy, maize, coconut, groundnut, tur and cotton
- Declaration date
- October 1, following a September 30 committee meeting
- Other states mentioned
- Karnataka and Maharashtra
