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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 26, 2026Miami-Dade

U.S. Department of Agriculture declares drought disaster for 26 Puerto Rico municipalities

The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for 26 municipalities in Puerto Rico, granting farmers and agricultural producers in those areas access to emergency federal loans. This declaration follows record-breaking dry conditions and heat that have severely impacted crop production and livestock across the island.

droughtagriculturedisaster reliefwater infrastructurePuerto Rico
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Why It Matters

The disaster declaration provides a financial lifeline for farmers in 26 affected to apply for emergency loans to offset losses caused by the ongoing drought.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture declared a drought disaster for 26 of Puerto Rico's 78 municipalities.
  • The declaration allows farmers and agricultural producers in the affected regions to apply for emergency federal loans.
  • More than 33% of Puerto Rico is currently experiencing extreme drought, with an additional 30% under severe drought.
  • July was the driest month on record for San Juan in over 120 years.
  • Water rationing is in effect for over 180,000 customers in San Juan and six other cities, with 48-hour service interruptions.
  • The Puerto Rico National Guard has been activated to transport, distribute, and purify water.
  • Farmers report significant losses in crops including avocados, plantains, lemons, cassava, coffee, and cacao since May.
  • Livestock breeders are struggling to feed animals and have been unable to sell young bulls due to the drought.
  • The Lajas irrigation canal supply was reduced from three times a week to once a week in June.
  • San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero filed a lawsuit against the Water and Sewer Authority in May citing infrastructure neglect.

Who's Mentioned

organizationRAFI“Nonprofit serving small- to midscale farmers.”other26“Number of municipalities covered by the disaster declaration.”personIrving Rodríguez“Puerto Rico Agriculture Secretary.”organizationWater and Sewer Authority“Puerto Rican utility agency currently facing a lawsuit regarding infrastructure.”personMiguel Romero“Mayor of San Juan.”organizationU.S. Department of Agriculture“Federal agency that issued the disaster declaration.”personFello Pérez“Technical assistance provider for RAFI.”other78“Total number of municipalities in Puerto Rico.”other300“Number of farms dependent on the Lajas irrigation canal.”personNaia Seda“Local farmer in Lajas.”personJenniffer González“Governor of Puerto Rico who requested the disaster declaration.”other15“Acres of land owned by farmer Naia Seda.”