SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The governor of Puerto Rico declared a state of emergency Wednesday to combat escalating coastal erosion that has been battering the U.S. territory’s northern shoreline.
Gov. Jenniffer González stated that the executive declaration will enable her administration to fast-track initiatives aimed at safeguarding natural resources and at-risk coastal areas. Officials noted in a statement that elevated sea levels, storm surges and additional environmental factors have worsened the erosion problem throughout Puerto Rico.
González committed to assisting northern municipalities, including Loiza, where residents have been forced to relocate and sections of pavement from seaside roadways have collapsed into the sea after powerful wave activity.
The emergency declaration comes just prior to the beginning of Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 through November 30.
Officials have not yet calculated the total expense for the planned protective measures.
