Andhra Pradesh declares drought in 21 districts amid 53% rainfall deficit
Andhra Pradesh declares drought in 21 districts amid 53% rainfall deficit
IN · Published Oct 9, 2026
• The Andhra Pradesh government has officially declared drought conditions in 21 of its 28 districts due to a significant rainfall deficit during the Kharif season.
• From June 1 to August 31, the state received an average rainfall of 197.6 mm, far below the normal rainfall of 424.3 mm, marking a 53% deficit.

Impact & Risks

The drought declaration affects 21 districts, including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, and Chittoor, among others. Farmers in these regions are likely to face challenges due to reduced water availability for irrigation, potentially impacting crop yields and food security. The deficit in rainfall may also strain water resources and increase the risk of water shortages for domestic and industrial use. The broader impact of El Niño could exacerbate these conditions, leading to economic and social hardships in the affected areas.

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