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SITUATION OVERVIEW
On the night of 10–11 August 2025, torrential rains triggered devastating flash floods across São Vicente and Santo Antão islands in Cabo Verde, with partial impacts also reported in São Nicolau. The heavy rainfall, occurring within just a few hours, caused widespread flooding, landslides, and extensive destruction of homes, infrastructure, and essential services.
Preliminary assessments suggest that approximately 119,000 people may have been affected, representing the combined population of the two worst-hit islands. At least 12 people have been confirmed dead, with five missing, while over 5,500 households have been severely impacted, including 1,500 displaced people in São Vicente alone.
The floods have severely disrupted essential services. Health infrastructure was heavily damaged, with the main hospital in Mindelo and São Nicolau. Water and sanitation systems were also disrupted, creating acute drinking water shortages that now require daily ferry transport of potable water (150 m³) from Santo Antão to São Vicente. Power and communications networks were intermittently affected, further complicating coordination and response efforts.
Infrastructure damage is extensive, with 2,500 buildings damaged, five bridges destroyed, and several kilometres of roads affected according to currently available information. Flooding also devastated local markets and supermarkets, limiting food access and damaging small businesses. Several areas remain difficult to access due to blocked or damaged roads, isolating affected communities.
The Government of Cabo Verde has declared a national emergency, activating national disaster response mechanisms. The Red Cross of Cape Verde (Cruz Vermelha de Cabo Verde or CVCV), supported by the IFRC and partners, has mobilised volunteers to provide immediate relief, including the distribution of essential household items to 300 families.
The floods have struck Cabo Verde in the midst of the rainy season, which typically extends from August to October. This heightens the risk of further heavy rainfall, storms, and secondary impacts such as additional flooding and landslides. Ongoing weather instability complicates response operations, increases humanitarian needs, and poses serious challenges for early recovery planning.