Cape Verde Reels from Devastating Floods as Death Toll Rises
A catastrophic overnight rainfall has brought widespread destruction to the Cape Verde archipelago, claiming the lives of at least nine people and affecting a staggering 119,000 others. The government has declared a state of emergency and two days of national mourning in response to the disaster, which has left countless homes destroyed or severely damaged and hundreds of families without livelihoods.
The torrential rains, brought by Tropical Storm Erin, turned streets into raging torrents, triggered landslides, and destroyed vital infrastructure in a matter of hours. The islands of São Vicente and São Antão have been the hardest hit, with thousands forced to seek refuge with relatives, neighbors, or in temporary shelters after losing everything.
“My house collapsed in just a few hours. My children lost everything… and so did I,” said Alcídia dos Reis Fortes, a mother of five now sheltering in a school converted into a reception center managed by the Red Cross.
Red Cross volunteers in Cape Verde were quickly mobilized to respond to the disaster, informing communities and helping evacuate families at risk. “We immediately informed communities and helped evacuate families at risk,” explained Jamilson José Dos Santos Rodrigues, a volunteer and head of operations for the local committee in São Vicente.
The floods have also caused the collapse of the central water supply system, leaving thousands without access to safe drinking water. This disruption poses a serious additional threat: the spread of waterborne diseases. “Many families have nothing left to drink or cook with. We are distributing emergency kits, drinking water, and clothing, as well as providing psychosocial support. But the needs are far greater than what we can cover,” said Jamilson.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has deployed emergency preparedness and response specialist Sadrack Matanda to support the Cape Verde Red Cross. “Today, every vital sector is affected–shelter, water, health, and food. International support is essential to meet the scale of this crisis,” stressed Sadrack.
As an initial response, the IFRC plans to release emergency funds to assist affected families by providing shelter, water and sanitation services, and livelihood support. Shelter and water and sanitation specialists will also be deployed to strengthen the response.
The Cape Verde Red Cross has launched a national campaign, #ReconstruirComEsperança, to support those affected by the disaster. As the country begins the long road to recovery, the need for international support and aid is clear. With thousands left without access to basic necessities, the situation remains dire, and the call for help is urgent.
