Archive · 21 Aug 2026
US Government Declares Drought Disaster Across Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands have gone a long time without enough rain.
This has made it harder for farmers to raise animals and grow food.
The US government has officially called the drought a disaster.
That allows farmers to request special emergency loans.
They can use the money to replace livestock or equipment and manage other farm costs.
Farmers have eight months to apply.
Puerto Rico is also facing very dry conditions and has limited water use in some neighborhoods.
Experts say El Niño is helping cause the dryness, and the drought may continue for a while.
The US government designated St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John as primary natural disaster areas because of persistent drought.
Eligible farmers and agricultural producers can apply for emergency loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency.
The loans may help replace livestock or equipment, reorganize operations and refinance certain debts.
US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. requested the declaration earlier this month and welcomed the assistance.
The entire US Virgin Islands territory is classified as being in extreme drought, while Puerto Rico has introduced water rationing in some communities.
- Who
- The United States Department of Agriculture, US Virgin Islands farmers and agricultural producers, and Governor Albert Bryan Jr.
- What
- The US government declared the US Virgin Islands primary natural disaster areas because of persistent drought, making emergency agricultural loans available.
- When
- The governor requested the declaration earlier this month; eligible farmers have eight months from the declaration date to apply.
- Where
- St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John in the US Virgin Islands; neighboring Puerto Rico is also affected.
- Why
- Persistent dry conditions have damaged agriculture, stressed livestock producers, depleted ponds and strained water supplies.
- Affected territory
- The entire US Virgin Islands territory is classified as being in extreme drought.
- Declared areas
- St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John were designated primary natural disaster areas.
- Available assistance
- Eligible producers can apply for emergency loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency.
- Loan uses
- Funds may be used to replace essential equipment or livestock, reorganize farm operations and refinance certain debts.
- Application deadline
- Farmers have eight months from the declaration date to apply.
- Puerto Rico conditions
- More than 33% of Puerto Rico is under extreme drought and another 30% is under severe drought.
- Climate outlook
- Experts link the dryness to a strong El Niño pattern and forecast below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures through early autumn.