Gradovi u Portoriku pogođeni su mjerama racioniranja vode tijekom rekordne suše

Puerto Rican cities have begun implementing water rationing measures as a severe drought worsens, affecting over 180,000 residents in San Juan and other major urban areas. The restrictions, which involve 48-hour periods without access to water on a rotating schedule, start on Friday. Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating she does not yet know how long the rationing will last. The drought, exacerbated by persistent dry conditions, shows no signs of abating, with meteorologists predicting continued arid weather through at least September. The current crisis follows one of the driest Julys on record for San Juan, spanning over 120 years, and marks the second-hottest July for the city. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 25 percent of Puerto Rico is under severe drought conditions, while an additional 36 percent faces moderate drought. These figures underscore the depth of the problem, which has led to widespread concern among residents and officials alike. Maria Novoa Garcia, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Juan, noted that the strengthening El Nino pattern contributes to the ongoing dry spell, with rainfall expected to remain significantly below average for the next few weeks. The impact of the drought extends beyond immediate water scarcity. Many Puerto Ricans have faced water shortages for months prior to the official rationing measures. Community leader Marcia Soler Paris described the situation as chaotic, emphasizing that residents are struggling to prepare for further restrictions when basic needs are already unmet. Her concerns highlight the vulnerability of elderly individuals and those with mobility issues, who face particular challenges in accessing water during the rationing period. To address the urgent need, Luis Gonzalez Delgado, president of Puerto Rico’s water and sewer system, outlined plans for large trucks to deliver potable water, prioritizing distribution to hospitals and residences housing the elderly. The rationing will affect specific neighborhoods within several cities, including Carolina, Juncos, Gurabo, Trujillo Alto, Canovanas, and Loiza. This expansion reflects the growing scale of the crisis and the necessity for targeted interventions to ensure critical services remain operational. The drought has also sparked legal action. San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero filed a lawsuit against the island’s Water and Sewer Authority in late May, citing inadequate infrastructure investment and maintenance over decades. The governor has since acknowledged these systemic failures, which have contributed to the current emergency. Historical context reveals that Puerto Rico previously imposed similar restrictions in 2015 and 2020, with hundreds of thousands of utility customers receiving water on a limited basis. These past experiences offer both lessons and cautionary tales for managing future crises. On a broader scale, the United Nations weather agency recently highlighted the increasing risks associated with climate phenomena such as El Nino, which can intensify heatwaves, droughts, and flooding globally. This warning coincides with reports of devastating wildfires in parts of Africa and Europe, alongside disruptions caused by the monsoon season in South Asia. Such developments illustrate the interconnected nature of global environmental challenges, reinforcing the urgency of addressing local and regional vulnerabilities.