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Horses that wander the Navajo Nation are struggling in drought conditions that have prompted its president to declare a state of emergency, it has been reported.

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly made the drought declaration on July 2.

“We recognize that much of our land is dry, our wells aren’t producing water like they have in the past, and now we must do what we can to help our people who are suffering in these dry conditions,” he said.

“I am directing all Executive Branch divisions to pull its resources together to immediately develop a plan to coordinate necessary service to the Nation.”

About 5000 lakes and ponds exist on the Navajo Nation and, as dry conditions prevail, pressure will be put on existing wells, the emergency declaration states.

Indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com has reported on the plight of some of the animals, fatally caught in quicksand while trying to access dwindling natural water resources.

The drought has gripped the Navajo Nation for several years and is making life tough for tribe members, as well as horses.

According to tribal precipitation statistics, the Western Agency is about 65 percent below normal precipitation amounts this year, while the Fort Defiance Agency is about 63 percent below normal.

The Northern and Eastern agencies are about 55 percent below average, while the Chinle Agency is about 30 percent below average precipitation levels.

The declaration allows chapters to use emergency funds to assist with drought conditions and also allows the Navajo Nation to seek a federal disaster relief from US President Barack Obama.

“We can’t fix every problem by throwing money at it. We have to be creative and think about new ways to get through this drought. We need long-term solutions and practices,” Shelly said.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials expect above-normal temperatures to continue through the summer months, with below average precipitation.

“We are going to do everything we can to bring our people through this drought,” Shelly said.

“We have many needs, and we are a strong people. Water is precious and we have to learn how to conserve and change our practices to make sure we prevail through these drought conditions.”