Andhra government declares drought in 21 districts; 283 mandals ‘severely affected’
The Andhra Pradesh government declared drought in 21 of its 26 districts, affecting 388 mandals, with 283 classified as ‘severely affected’. This decision, made on October 1, follows a recommendation from a high-level Committee on Drought due to a 53.4% rainfall deficit during June-August 2026. Farmers will now seek assistance as the Kharif season progresses.