Cape Verde declares state of emergency after deadly floods

Cape Verde Declares State of Emergency After Devastating Floods

Cape Verde has declared a state of emergency on its islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão after powerful floods claimed at least nine lives and displaced more than 1,500 residents. The disaster has prompted an urgent response from authorities and triggered national crisis measures.

State of Emergency Measures Activated

Under the emergency declaration, Cape Verde will release crisis funds and fast-track infrastructure repairs on the two affected islands. The Atlantic nation, located off West Africa, is now focused on both rescuing survivors and stabilizing damaged communities.

Tropical Storm Erin Triggers Torrential Rain

The catastrophe unfolded on Monday when Tropical Storm Erin unleashed a staggering 193mm (7.6 inches) of rain in just five hours — far exceeding the typical annual rainfall for São Vicente. The rapid downpour caused flash floods that swept through towns, destroying homes and roads.

Officials Describe ‘Catastrophic’ Situation

Deputy Prime Minister Olavo Correia described the floods as “catastrophic,” telling the BBC that rescue teams are still searching for missing individuals. He confirmed that the storm left extensive damage to housing, vehicles, and essential infrastructure.

Rare Weather Event for the Region

Meteorologist Ester Brito from Cape Verde’s weather institute told Reuters the rainfall levels were far beyond the 30-year climate average for the area. She noted that such events are extremely rare and emphasized that the country lacks the radar systems necessary to forecast rain of this magnitude.

A Night of Panic and Despair

Interior Minister Paulo Rocha recounted the night as one of “panic and despair,” according to Reuters. The floods arrived suddenly, giving residents little time to prepare or evacuate. Many people were caught in the chaos as water levels rose at alarming speed.

Eyewitness Accounts from the Hardest-Hit Island

On São Vicente, the worst-affected island, community organizer Alveno Yali described the disaster as an “incredible moment of heavy rains, strong winds, and flash floods” that led to major material losses. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, with residents forced to flee on foot.

Diaspora Rallies to Support Victims

Cape Verde’s diaspora, especially in France, Luxembourg, Portugal, and the United States, has mobilized quickly to assist. Urgent crowdfunding drives have been launched to provide aid, demonstrating the global solidarity of Cape Verdean communities abroad.

Tens of Thousands Raised for Emergency Relief

So far, tens of thousands of euros have been collected to purchase food, drinking water, hygiene supplies, and other essential items. These contributions are intended to address immediate needs for those who have lost their homes and belongings in the floods.

Aid Delivery Plans in Motion

Andreia Levy, president of Hello Cabo Verde in France, told the BBC that diaspora groups are planning to deliver the collected aid directly to the affected islands. She emphasized that the entire Cape Verdean community abroad has been “fully mobilized” to support their homeland during this crisis.

Rebuilding After Disaster

While emergency relief is underway, local authorities face the daunting task of rebuilding infrastructure, restoring housing, and preventing future tragedies. The lack of advanced weather monitoring technology remains a challenge, leaving Cape Verde vulnerable to sudden extreme weather events.

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