Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Extreme Drought Covers 44% of Puerto Rico, Rations Begin

9/7/2026

14 1 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Puerto Rico’s governor declared a state of emergency in July as drought intensified.
The U.S. government declared a drought disaster in August, covering over two dozen Puerto Rican cities.
By August 25 2026, extreme drought spanned 44 percent of Puerto Rico, with 75 percent in at least moderate drought.
Municipalities began water rationing in early August as farmers reported losses of fruit, cacao, banana and coffee.

1 of 1

Story summary

Puerto Rico’s governor declared a state of emergency in July as drought intensified.
The U.S. government declared a drought disaster in August, covering over two dozen Puerto Rican cities.
By August 25 2026, extreme drought spanned 44 percent of Puerto Rico, with 75 percent in at least moderate drought.
Municipalities began water rationing in early August as farmers reported losses of fruit, cacao, banana and coffee.