U.S. declares drought disaster for parts of Puerto Rico after driest month on record for San Juan
Summary
The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for 26 municipalities in Puerto Rico due to worsening dry conditions. More than one-third of the island faces extreme drought, causing water shortages and harm to farms.Key Facts
- More than 33% of Puerto Rico is experiencing extreme drought; another 30% faces severe drought.
- July was the driest month ever recorded in San Juan in over 120 years and the second hottest.
- Governor Jenniffer González requested the drought disaster declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- The drought disaster covers 26 out of 78 municipalities, including Cabo Rojo, Ponce, and Yauco.
- The declaration allows farmers in affected areas to apply for emergency loans to help with losses.
- Puerto Rico Agriculture Secretary Irving Rodríguez encouraged farmers to document their damage.
- Farmer Naia Seda reports no rain since April, and her farm shows deep cracks because of dryness.
- The drought is worsening Puerto Rico’s water crisis, which is also affected by aging infrastructure.
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