Navajo Nation declares state of emergency over the ‘severe’ drought conditions

The Navajo Nation has declared a state of emergency as severe drought conditions worsen across the Southwest.

The Navajo Commission on Emergency Management approved the declaration in a unanimous vote Tuesday, citing intensifying drought, low rainfall, increased wildfire risk and growing impacts on water supplies, agriculture and livestock.

The move comes after the U.S. Department of Agriculture designated surrounding counties as drought disaster areas.

January through March this year was Arizona’s hottest and driest such period on record, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said the drought is already taking a serious toll on Navajo communities, causing low water supplies, shrinking reservoirs and hardships for ranchers, farmers and families.

“The health of our communities, livestock and natural resources depends on our ability to respond proactively to these challenging conditions,” Nygren said in a Wednesday press release.

How will the emergency declaration help the Navajo Nation respond to drought?

The emergency declaration allows the Navajo Nation’s emergency management teams to take action to reduce drought and wildfire risks.

Those actions include:

• Coordinating drought response efforts across tribal programs
• Working with federal, state, tribal, local and private partners
• Requesting outside assistance for relief and recovery

Officials said the declaration is intended to help the Navajo Nation respond more quickly as drought conditions continue to strain communities, water resources and agriculture across the region.

The commission is requesting $6.55 million from the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund for drought mitigation projects. The projects include windmill repairs and improved water storage for livestock

“This declaration allows us to coordinate resources, strengthen drought mitigation efforts, and support the families who rely on agriculture and ranching for their livelihoods,” Nygren said.

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