The Andhra Pradesh government has declared drought in 388 mandals across 21 districts. Of these, 283 are severe and 105 are moderate.

The state faced a 53.4% rainfall deficit in the June-August monsoon. It received only 197.6 mm of rain against a normal of 424.3 mm. The shortfall is linked to El Nino.

The declaration came early this year. A committee met on September 30, and the order was issued on October 1. Officials said early action will help farmers get relief faster.

The opposition YSRCP has questioned the delay. It says the government should have acted sooner.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has pushed river-linking projects as a long-term fix. He says connecting rivers will reduce the state’s dependence on the monsoon.

Farmers in the hit mandals will now get relief under drought norms. The move covers more than half the state’s districts. Officials said drinking water supply will be the top priority.