Drought prompts disaster declarations in Ark., 10 other states

Federal officials have designated portions of 11 drought-ridden western and central states as primary natural disaster areas, highlighting the financial strain the lack of rain is likely to bring to farmers in those regions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announcement includes counties in Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Kansas, Texas, Utah, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Oklahoma and California, according to the Associated Press.

With the designation, farmers in affected counties can apply for low-interest emergency loans from the agriculture department.

Read more from the Associated Press.