Governor declares state of emergency over severe coastal erosion in Loíza, other northern coastal communities.

The state of emergency declaration, formalized through Executive Order 2026‑27, aims to accelerate mitigation and protection efforts as erosion intensifies and encroaches on homes, public infrastructure and natural resources. (Israel Morales)

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has declared a state of emergency in response to worsening coastal erosion threatening the Parcelas Suárez sector of Loíza and several communities along Puerto Rico’s northern shoreline.

The action, formalized through Executive Order 2026‑27, aims to accelerate mitigation and protection efforts as erosion intensifies and encroaches on homes, public infrastructure and natural resources.

According to the order, rising sea levels, recurring swells, atmospheric events, and the inherent geomorphological vulnerability of coastal zones have combined to create an urgent and escalating threat. The administration warned that the situation now poses a direct risk to the safety of residents and the stability of critical infrastructure.

“My administration is acting with urgency to protect lives, properties, and critical infrastructure in our coastal communities,” González Colón said in a written statement. “This Executive Order allows us to expedite the work needed to address a situation that represents a real and imminent risk for hundreds of Puerto Rican families.”

Under the emergency declaration, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and other government agencies are authorized to immediately implement mitigation projects and emergency response actions. The order also activates special emergency procurement procedures to speed the acquisition of materials and services necessary for erosion‑related interventions.

The directive further mandates interagency coordination among the Office of Management and Budget, the Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority, and other government entities to ensure the availability of resources and operational support.

The order took effect upon being signed Tuesday night and will remain active until amended, revoked or replaced.

During González Colón’s tenure as resident commissioner, she secured the first-ever allocation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers specifically for coastal erosion studies in Puerto Rico -- funding she has frequently cited as foundational to current mitigation efforts.

The emergency declaration comes as coastal communities across the island continue to confront accelerating shoreline loss, a challenge scientists and local officials warn will require sustained, long-term adaptation strategies.