Record drought prompts Puerto Rico to ration water

Around half a million people in Puerto Rico have been hit with major water cuts, going at least 48 hours at a time without water.

Local rivers that feed key reservoirs are at low water levels as the island continues to experience an intense drought.

Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan, experienced its driest July on record and two-thirds of the island is currently experiencing drought conditions.

The island’s governor has declared a state of emergency, and 180,000 households and businesses are now rotating through 48-hour periods of having access to water.

Local authorities have also deployed water trucks to affected communities, giving priority to hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Puerto Rico’s water rationing is expected to last at least until the end of August.

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