The U.S. government has announced a drought disaster for more than two dozen cities and towns in Puerto Rico as water woes deepen across the U.S. territory, with no relief in sight SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- The U.S. government announced a drought disaster on Wednesday for more than two dozen cities and towns in Puerto Rico as water woes deepen across the U.S. territory, with no relief in sight. More than 33% of Puerto Rico is under extreme drought, and another 30% under a severe drought. July was the driest month on record for San Juan in more than 120 years and the second hottest for the island's capital.
Jenniffer González said she had formally requested the declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture more than two weeks ago. The declaration covers 26 of Puerto Rico’s 78 municipalities, including Cabo Rojo, Ponce, Yauco, Aibonito and Lares.
The disaster declaration allows farmers and agricultural producers in those regions to access emergency loans. Pérez said in a phone interview that Puerto Rican farmers who work in hydroponics and grow vegetables in soil are among the most affected. Those who cultivate fruits, including coffee, cacao, plantains, and bananas, have seen them fall green from the tree due to a lack of water.
Those who breed animals are also affected because they haven’t been able to feed livestock. In a bid to make money, they were selling young bulls at rock-bottom prices, but no one was buying because of the ongoing drought, Pérez said. Farmers have been losing money since May; one was even forced to resume work as a mechanic to make ends meet, he said.
Puerto Rico’s governor had declared a state of emergency in late July because of the persistent dry conditions and activated the National Guard to transport, distribute, and purify water. In early August, she announced water rationing measures in certain neighborhoods of San Juan and six other cities. More than 180,000 customers are without water for 48 hours at a time as part of a rotating schedule.
Large trucks are distributing water in those areas, with priority given to hospitals and residences for older people. Meteorologists say the ongoing drought is the result of a natural warming cycle known as El Niño, which has also affected the neighboring U.S. The U.S. government declared a drought disaster earlier this month for St.
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