State of emergency declared in four municipalities due to heavy rains

“With this order, we ensure a swift, uniform, and effective response to the circumstances facing the affected municipalities, while activating the necessary resources to address their most urgent needs,” Gov. Jenniffer González Colón said in a written statement.

By The Star Staff

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón signed Executive Order 2025-22 on Thursday to declare a state of emergency in the municipalities of Aguas Buenas, Corozal, Naranjito, and Orocovis, following the heavy rains recorded since April 19, which have caused landslides, cut off communities, and damaged infrastructure.

“With this order, we ensure a swift, uniform, and effective response to the circumstances facing the affected municipalities, while activating the necessary resources to address their most urgent needs,” González Colón said in a written statement.

The order designates Public Safety Safety Arthur Garffer as state liaison officer, and the Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Bureau Commissioner Ángel Jiménez Colón as alternate liaison officer. It also authorizes the use of emergency funds and the activation of purchases under special mechanisms to address the damages caused.

The governor delegated to Garffer the authority to include other municipalities in the declaration, provided that coordination is carried out with the Office of the La Fortaleza Chief of Staff to ensure an effective response. The measure also requires a detailed report of all expenses incurred, to be submitted within 30 days to the tax authorities.

Under the order, agencies must promote access to available aid programs and comply with all transparency requirements in the use of allocated funds.