Oregon Gov. Kate Brown declares drought in 4 more counties

A drought state of emergency blankets more than half of Oregon’s land area, according to declarations from Gov. Kate Brown. This week, the governor added four more counties east of the Cascades to the list of places facing severe water shortages.

Executive orders warn that extreme conditions are likely to hurt local growers and livestock, increase the potential for fire, shorten the growing season, and decrease water supplies. The emergency declarations allow people who use water to seek temporary relief measures, such as moving water rights, drilling emergency wells and applying for state and federal aid.