Telangana Deputy Chief Minister M. Bhatti Vikramarka stated that the El Nino phenomenon caused deficient rainfall, reduced reservoir inflows, and high electricity demand in the state.
The state recorded an overall rainfall deficit with 543 mm recorded against a normal of 640 mm up to September 18, leading to an 18 percent drop in paddy cultivation acreage.
Reduced rainfall dropped hydel power generation to 422 MW compared to 1,940 MW previously, while the state recorded a peak power load of 19,453 MW on September 9.