The United States government has declared a drought disaster in 26 municipalities in Puerto Rico, as severe water shortages continue to threaten farmers and businesses across the US Caribbean territory.
More than 33 per cent of Puerto Rico is experiencing extreme drought, while another 30 per cent is under severe drought conditions.
July was the driest month on record for the capital, San Juan, in more than 120 years.
The disaster declaration will allow farmers and agricultural producers in the affected areas to access emergency loans to help recover from their losses.
Puerto Rico's Agriculture Secretary Irving Rodríguez is urging farmers to document their losses as they seek financial assistance.
Farmers say the prolonged dry conditions have already forced some to stop production, while crops including avocados, plantains, bananas, coffee and cacao are being severely affected.
Livestock producers are also struggling to secure feed, with some reportedly being forced to sell young animals at heavily reduced prices.
More than 180,000 customers are currently subject to rotating water rationing, with some households going without water for up to 48 hours at a time.
The government has deployed the National Guard to help transport, distribute and purify water.
Meteorologists say the drought is linked to the El Niño weather pattern, while authorities acknowledge that decades of inadequate investment and maintenance have also contributed to the territory's water problems.
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