The U.S. drought monitor’s latest weekly report shows more Puerto Rico municipalities have moved into the severe drought classification, including Cabo Rojo, Guánica, Lajas, Santa Isabel, and parts of Sabana Grande, Yauco, Peñuelas, Guayanilla, Ponce, Juana Díaz, Coamo, and Salinas. The report states this level means the agricultural sector faces significant losses, planting is delayed, ranchers must feed livestock supplemental feed due to pasture shortages, hay and other forage are scarce, strict water rationing measures are being implemented, and trees and vegetation show clear signs of stress from lack of moisture.
Moderate drought classification also expanded, rising from 40.85% to 61.39% of the island, now covering the entire eastern half of Puerto Rico, including the San Juan metro area. On Tuesday, Governor Jenniffer González Colón said the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA) is evaluating implementing scheduled water service interruptions for customers who depend on the Carraízo, Cidra, and Toa Vaca reservoirs, though she noted no specific start date has been set for the plan.