Cape Verde has been plunged into crisis following catastrophic floods that have left at least nine people dead, thousands displaced, and entire communities struggling to recover. The government has declared a state of emergency on the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão after Tropical Storm Erin unleashed unprecedented rainfall, triggering flash floods that battered homes, roads, and infrastructure.
The disaster struck on Monday when 193mm (7.6 inches) of rain fell in just five hours, more than São Vicente’s annual average, overwhelming the islands’ capacity to cope. Deputy Prime Minister Olavo Correia described the flooding as “catastrophic,” while rescue teams continued to search for missing persons amid widespread destruction. Vehicles were swept away, buildings submerged, and essential infrastructure severely damaged.
The Cape Verdean Meteorology Institute confirmed the rainfall levels were far above the 30-year climatological average. Meteorologist Ester Brito explained that such intense weather was highly unusual for the islands, adding that the lack of advanced radar equipment hindered their ability to forecast the severity of the storm. Interior Minister Paulo Rocha recalled the night of the disaster as one “marked by panic and despair” as residents faced torrents of water, strong winds, and chaos in the streets.
São Vicente, the worst-hit island, has been left reeling from what community organiser Alveno Yali described as “an incredible moment of heavy rains, strong winds, and flash floods, resulting in significant material losses.” More than 1,500 people have been forced from their homes, now seeking refuge in temporary shelters while authorities work to restore basic services.
The declaration of a state of emergency allows Cape Verde to unlock crisis funds and accelerate urgent infrastructure repairs. Emergency teams are working around the clock to clear debris, assess structural damage, and provide aid to those in need.
In the face of the disaster, the Cape Verdean diaspora particularly communities in France, Luxembourg, Portugal, and the United States have mobilised rapidly to raise funds and send relief supplies. Tens of thousands of euros have already been collected through crowdfunding campaigns to purchase food, clean water, hygiene kits, and emergency equipment.
Andreia Levy, president of Hello Cabo Verde in France, told the BBC that the global Cape Verdean community is united in its response. “The entire diaspora is mobilised, and we plan to deliver aid directly to those affected,” she said, emphasising the urgency of providing immediate support to the islands.
As recovery efforts continue, officials warn that the road ahead will be a challenging one. The damage to infrastructure, the displacement of families, and the loss of lives have left deep scars on the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão. However, with the combined efforts of local authorities, international partners, and the Cape Verdean diaspora, there is hope that the islands can begin to rebuild from one of the most devastating natural disasters in their recent history.
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