A severe drought has plunged San Juan, Puerto Rico, into a deepening water crisis, with hundreds of thousands of residents enduring prolonged water shutoffs. The island’s aging water infrastructure, strained by climate change and insufficient maintenance, has led to widespread rationing. NBC News correspondent George Solis reports from the ground, capturing families coping with limited access to clean water, relying on bottled supplies and long lines at emergency distribution centers. Many now face daily hardships, including challenges in maintaining hygiene and basic household needs.
Local authorities are attempting to respond with emergency measures like drilling new wells and repairing leaks, but the scale of the crisis overwhelms current efforts. The situation underscores broader systemic weaknesses in Puerto Rico’s public services, compounded by years of natural disasters and economic strain. As the drought continues, calls for federal support and sustainable investment in water systems grow louder. This report offers firsthand accounts from affected communities and highlights ongoing attempts to address the urgent humanitarian challenge.