In a historic drought season, the United States is grappling with severe water shortages affecting more than 150 million people and 318 million acres of crops across the nation. Every state except Alaska and Kentucky is experiencing drought, an unprecedented statistic according to the US Drought Monitor.
This week, approximately 45% of the US, including Puerto Rico, is classified as being in drought conditions, while 54% of land in the 48 contiguous states is affected. The drought has intensified even as cooler autumn temperatures arrive, with a 34% increase in affected population since last week and a staggering 150% rise since last month.
The agricultural sector is bearing the brunt of this crisis, with crop-affected acreage rising by 57% over the past month. The prolonged drought threatens food security and intensifies economic pressures for farmers and consumers alike
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