State of Emergency Declared In Five States, 65 Million Americans In ’Severe to Exceptional Drought’

- As of May 31, around 90 million Americans were being affected by drought while more than 65 million were experiencing “severe to extreme drought,“ according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Western and Southwestern states are particularly parched — nearly three-quarters of the Western region is in a state of severe to exceptional drought. Depleted water reservoirs and wildfire damage are already taking a toll on residents and businesses. The Hermits Peak Fire, which continues to blaze in New Mexico, has already scorched around 315,830 acres.