Devastation in Cape Verde: The Aftermath of Tropical Storm Erin
The night of August 10-11, 2025, is etched in the memories of the Cape Verde archipelago’s residents. The region experienced unprecedented destruction as Tropical Storm Erin unleashed torrential rains, leading to severe flooding, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage.
Unprecedented Destruction
The storm transformed quiet streets into violent torrents within just hours, wreaking havoc on homes and livelihoods. Reports indicate that numerous houses were obliterated, leaving countless families grappling with the loss of their homes. Tragically, at least nine lives were claimed by this disaster, forcing thousands into makeshift shelters or to seek refuge with neighbors and relatives.
Alcídia dos Reis Fortes, a mother of five, vividly recounts her harrowing experience: “My house collapsed in just a few hours. My children lost everything… and so did I.” The emotional landscape is as shattered as the physical one, highlighting the profound impact of the storm on families already struggling.
Government Response and Community Mobilization
In response to the devastation, the government swiftly declared a state of emergency and designated two days of national mourning. The islands of São Vicente and São Antão bore the brunt of the disaster, experiencing the most severe impacts.
Right from the first alerts about the storm’s potential, Red Cross volunteers were mobilized. Jamilson José Dos Santos Rodrigues, a volunteer and local committee head in São Vicente, stated, “We immediately informed communities and helped evacuate families at risk.” His commitment underscores the urgency and dedication of local responders in the critical hours following the storm.
The Water Crisis
The flooding also severely disrupted the central water supply system, leaving many residents without access to safe drinking water. In a nation already battling drought and food insecurity, this compounded crisis poses a heightened risk of waterborne diseases, which could further threaten public health.
“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,” Jamilson shared. However, he emphasized that the existing needs far exceed the current resources available to relief efforts.
The Broad Impact of the Storm
The repercussions of the flooding are far-reaching. “Today, every vital sector is affected—shelter, water, health, and food. International support is essential to meet the scale of this crisis,” remarked Sadrack Matanda, an emergency preparedness specialist with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), who has been deployed to assist the Cape Verde Red Cross.
In a proactive response, the IFRC is mobilizing emergency funds aimed at providing essential services such as shelter, sanitation, and livelihood support to those impacted. Additionally, experts in shelter and water services will be deployed to enhance the relief efforts.
A Call for Further Support
As assessments continue, there is a possibility of launching an emergency appeal to ensure comprehensive support for the impacted communities. On August 13, the Cape Verde Red Cross initiated the national campaign #ReconstruirComEsperança, aimed at fostering rebuilding efforts and providing assistance to those in need.
The call for aid resonates across the region, highlighting the urgent need for long-term solutions to emerge from this crisis. As communities strive to recover, the importance of solidarity and support from the international community becomes increasingly vital in mitigating the effects of such devastating natural events.
