Cape Verde is grappling with the aftermath of severe floods that prompted the government to declare a state of emergency on the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão. The disaster claimed at least nine lives and displaced around 1,500 individuals from their homes. The unprecedented rainfall, measuring 193mm (7.6 inches) in just five hours, was provoked by Tropical Storm Erin, surpassing the region's typical yearly precipitation.
Deputy Prime Minister Olavo Correia described the floods as "catastrophic," with rescue teams currently combing through debris to locate missing persons. Significant destruction to roads, homes, and vehicles has been reported across the affected areas. Ester Brito from the Cape Verdean meteorological institute noted that this weather pattern deviates sharply from the 30-year climatological average, labeling the event as exceedingly rare.
Interior Minister Paulo Rocha recounted a night filled with "panic and despair," as communities struggled against the onslaught of heavy rains and winds. In response to the crisis, members of the Cape Verdean diaspora, particularly those in France, Luxembourg, Portugal, and the US, initiated crowdfunding campaigns that have already raised tens of thousands of euros to support relief efforts focusing on food, water, hygiene products, and emergency supplies.
Andreia Levy, president of Hello Cabo Verde in France, communicated the diaspora's commitment to directly delivering aid to those affected, showcasing the global solidarity in the face of this natural disaster.
Deputy Prime Minister Olavo Correia described the floods as "catastrophic," with rescue teams currently combing through debris to locate missing persons. Significant destruction to roads, homes, and vehicles has been reported across the affected areas. Ester Brito from the Cape Verdean meteorological institute noted that this weather pattern deviates sharply from the 30-year climatological average, labeling the event as exceedingly rare.
Interior Minister Paulo Rocha recounted a night filled with "panic and despair," as communities struggled against the onslaught of heavy rains and winds. In response to the crisis, members of the Cape Verdean diaspora, particularly those in France, Luxembourg, Portugal, and the US, initiated crowdfunding campaigns that have already raised tens of thousands of euros to support relief efforts focusing on food, water, hygiene products, and emergency supplies.
Andreia Levy, president of Hello Cabo Verde in France, communicated the diaspora's commitment to directly delivering aid to those affected, showcasing the global solidarity in the face of this natural disaster.