Andhra Pradesh declares drought in 21 of 28 districts

The Andhra Pradesh government, led by CM N Chandrababu Naidu, has declared an early drought in 21 of the state's 28 districts. The declaration covers 388 of 688 mandals, with 283 classified as 'severely affected' and 105 as 'moderately affected'. The government cited a 53.4% rainfall deficit between June and August 2026 and prevailing El Niño conditions as reasons.