US declares drought disaster for parts of Puerto Rico as dry conditions persist

On Wednesday, the U.S. government declared a drought disaster for more than two dozen cities and towns in Puerto Rico. The declaration comes as persistent dry conditions deepen water woes across the U.S. territory, with current forecasts offering no immediate relief.

More than 33 percent of Puerto Rico is currently experiencing extreme drought conditions, with additional areas affected as water scarcity intensifies throughout the region.