US Declares Drought Disaster for Parts of Puerto Rico as Dry Conditions Persist
The declaration lets farmers access emergency loans as more than 33% of the island remains under extreme drought, officials said.
- The Department of Agriculture declared a drought disaster on Wednesday for 26 of Puerto Rico's 78 municipalities, following a request from Gov. Jenniffer González to help struggling agricultural producers.
- Meteorologists attribute the persistent dry conditions to natural warming cycles; July was the driest month on record for San Juan in more than 120 years, with more than 33% of the island under extreme drought.
- Fello, a technical assistance provider for RAFI, reported farmers halted production as early as May, while livestock breeders sold young bulls at rock-bottom prices as animals lacked feed and fruit dropped green from trees.
- Gov. Jenniffer González declared a state of emergency in late July, activating the National Guard to transport and purify water for more than 180,000 customers facing 48-hour service interruptions.
- The disaster declaration allows agricultural producers in affected regions to access emergency loans, though officials warn there is currently no relief in sight for the Agriculture sector.
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Farmers affected by the drought impacting 26 municipalities in Puerto Rico will be able to apply for federal aid following the emergency declaration, but economic relief could take up to a year to reach some agricultural businesses, as acknowledged…
San Juan. The U.S. government yesterday declared a drought disaster for more than two dozen cities and towns in Puerto Rico, while water problems are worsening throughout the island’s territory.
The U.S. government has declared the disaster due to persistent drought for nearly 30 cities and communities in the island state of Puerto Rico.
Associated Press News
US declares drought disaster for parts of Puerto Rico as dry conditions persist
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.
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