By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/puerto-rico-governor-announces-emergency-to-fight-worsening-coastal-erosion Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Puerto Rico governor announces emergency to fight worsening coastal erosion Nation May 27, 2026 5:03 PM EDT SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico's governor announced a state of emergency Wednesday to fight a surge in coastal erosion along the U.S. territory 's north coast. Gov. Jenniffer González said the executive order would allow her administration to accelerate projects to protect natural resources and vulnerable coastal communities. The government said in a statement that rising sea levels, storm surges and other factors have intensified coastal erosion in Puerto Rico. Grow your mind Subscribe to our Science Newsletter to explore the wide worlds of science, health and technology. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. González pledged to help northern towns including Loiza, where people have been evacuated and chunks of asphalt from coastal roads have tumbled into the ocean following heavy swells. READ MORE: Trump to pardon former Puerto Rico Gov. Vázquez in campaign finance case, White House says The order was signed just days before the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. The cost of the projects has not yet been determined. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico's governor announced a state of emergency Wednesday to fight a surge in coastal erosion along the U.S. territory 's north coast. Gov. Jenniffer González said the executive order would allow her administration to accelerate projects to protect natural resources and vulnerable coastal communities. The government said in a statement that rising sea levels, storm surges and other factors have intensified coastal erosion in Puerto Rico. Grow your mind Subscribe to our Science Newsletter to explore the wide worlds of science, health and technology. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. González pledged to help northern towns including Loiza, where people have been evacuated and chunks of asphalt from coastal roads have tumbled into the ocean following heavy swells. READ MORE: Trump to pardon former Puerto Rico Gov. Vázquez in campaign finance case, White House says The order was signed just days before the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. The cost of the projects has not yet been determined. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now