Puerto Rico faces extreme drought affecting 40% of territory

Extreme drought conditions continue to impact Puerto Rico, with approximately 40.99% of the territory classified under extreme drought (D3). According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, roughly 82.91% of the island is experiencing some level of dryness, ranging from abnormally dry to extreme drought. The most severe conditions are concentrated in the south, southeast, and east, while the northwest remains the least affected region.

The drought affects an estimated 3,087,357 people. In response to the crisis, Governor Jenniffer González announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved an additional drought disaster declaration. This expands federal coverage to 38 municipalities, designating Barranquitas, Caguas, and Guayama as primary disaster areas. This measure allows eligible producers to apply for emergency loans and provides opportunities for small businesses and non-profits to access economic damage assistance.

Water management remains a critical issue. In several municipalities, including San Juan, Trujillo Alto, and Carolina, authorities have maintained a water rationing schedule of 48-hour alternating cycles. While recent rainfall from the remnants of tropical storm Dolly provided some relief in the southeast, reservoir levels, such as the Carraízo reservoir, remain under close observation.