Puerto Rico has declared a state of emergency over worsening drought conditions affecting nearly 60% of the island, introducing conservation measures and deploying the National Guard to help secure access to water supplies. Puerto Rico has declared a water emergency and activated the National Guard as drought conditions intensify across much of the island. Puerto Rico has declared a state of emergency as worsening drought conditions affect about 60% of the island, prompting Governor Jenniffer González to order water conservation measures and activate the National Guard to help secure access to water supplies. RELATED: Twenty flights canceled in Puerto Rico due to smoke from Canadian wildfiresThe emergency declaration follows expanding drought conditions, with severe drought affecting 24.8% of Puerto Rico and moderate drought covering another 36% of the territory, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. National Guard ActivatedA second executive order authorizes the Puerto Rico National Guard to assist with transporting, distributing and purifying water to help ensure public access to water supplies.