The Andhra Pradesh government declared a drought in 21 districts due to a significant rainfall deficit during the June-August period. The deficit was attributed to El Niño, a warming of ocean surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific.
According to reports from The Hindu and The Indian Express, the rainfall deficit in Andhra Pradesh stands at 53% as compared to the normal rainfall for the period between June 1 and August 31. This shortage is attributed to the effects of El Niño, a warming of ocean surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific that can lead to reduced monsoon rainfall in India.
The government's drought declaration was made on October 1, which is typically when such announcements are made at the end of October. The Kharif season in India spans from June to October.
The affected districts include Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, NTR district, Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Prakasam, Markapuram, Kurnool, Nandyal, Ananthapuramu, Sri Satya Sai, YSR Kadapa, Annamayya and Chittoor.
In a separate development, the Maharashtra government declared drought conditions in 74% of its subdistricts due to a deficit in rainfall during the Southwest monsoon season. The monsoon started on June 4, three days later than its usual onset date of June 1.
It is important to note that the monsoon covered the entire country on July 9, a day later than the normal date of July 8. The season ended on September 30 with a 12.6% deficit in rainfall, according to the India Meteorological Department.
This makes it the driest monsoon in 11 years and the fourth driest in this century.
Source:
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