The flash floods, caused by Tropical Storm Erin, resulted in an unprecedented 193mm of rain over a mere five hours, far surpassing the average annual rainfall in São Vicente. Deputy Prime Minister Olavo Correia described the floods as “catastrophic,” prompting officials to activate crisis funds and expedite urgent infrastructure repairs.
Rescue teams are in a race against time to locate missing persons, as the storm caused significant damage to roads, homes, and vehicles. Ester Brito from the meteorology institute noted that such rainfall is extraordinary, exceeding the past 30 years' climatological averages.
The dire situation led Interior Minister Paulo Rocha to recount the panic experienced during the floods, revealing the deeply felt fear of residents. Alveno Yali, a local community organizer in São Vicente, reiterated the severity of the floods, emphasizing the immense material destruction faced by the population.
The Cape Verdean diaspora, particularly in France, Luxembourg, Portugal, and the United States, has quickly mobilized to provide aid through crowdfunding campaigns. Tens of thousands of euros have already been raised to supply essentials like food, clean water, and hygiene products. Andreia Levy, president of the Hello Cabo Verde association in France, stated the diaspora is committed to delivering immediate assistance to those affected.
As Cape Verde grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the government and international community are calling for solidarity and help to restore normalcy in the devastated areas.
Rescue teams are in a race against time to locate missing persons, as the storm caused significant damage to roads, homes, and vehicles. Ester Brito from the meteorology institute noted that such rainfall is extraordinary, exceeding the past 30 years' climatological averages.
The dire situation led Interior Minister Paulo Rocha to recount the panic experienced during the floods, revealing the deeply felt fear of residents. Alveno Yali, a local community organizer in São Vicente, reiterated the severity of the floods, emphasizing the immense material destruction faced by the population.
The Cape Verdean diaspora, particularly in France, Luxembourg, Portugal, and the United States, has quickly mobilized to provide aid through crowdfunding campaigns. Tens of thousands of euros have already been raised to supply essentials like food, clean water, and hygiene products. Andreia Levy, president of the Hello Cabo Verde association in France, stated the diaspora is committed to delivering immediate assistance to those affected.
As Cape Verde grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the government and international community are calling for solidarity and help to restore normalcy in the devastated areas.
