Attachments
To date, this Emergency Appeal, which seeks CHF 3,000,000, is 45% per cent funded. Further funding contributions are needed to enable the National Societies in the region, with the support of the IFRC, to continue with the preparedness efforts of and provide humanitarian assistance and protection to people on the move.
A. SITUATION ANALYSIS
Description of the crisis
On 10–11 August 2025, Tropical Storm Erin brought torrential rains that caused severe flash floods and landslides across Cabo Verde, with São Vicente and Santo Antão experiencing the most significant devastation and partial impacts in São Nicolau. In just a few hours, rainfall exceeded annual averages, overwhelming drainage systems, and leading to widespread destruction of homes, public infrastructure, and essential services. At least 12 people lost their lives; five went missing, and more than 27,500 people were directly affected, including 1,500 displaced in São Vicente. About 20,000 people have been injured1. Over 2,500 buildings were damaged, five bridges collapsed, and more than 60 km of roads were cut off, isolating entire communities. Mindelo’s central hospital and several health centers were inundated, resulting in the destruction of vaccine stocks and interruption of critical health services. Water and sanitation systems collapsed, forcing reliance on emergency water trucking, while markets and food stocks were destroyed, disrupting livelihoods and increasing food insecurity. The situation has heightened protection risks for vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, who face displacement, loss of income, and reduced access to assistance. The compounding effects of the floods, combined with Cabo Verde’s existing vulnerabilities such as high food import dependency, recurrent droughts, and fragile health systems, have created a complex humanitarian emergency requiring sustained relief and early recovery efforts. Exactly one month later, on 11 September 2025, new heavy rains struck São Vicente, causing additional localized flooding in Mindelo. However, since the previous report, the overall situation has stabilized and has not further deteriorated. Most roads and damaged public infrastructure have been cleared, and the majority of displaced families have returned home, yet 74 families are still residing in government-funded temporary accommodation. Affected communities have begun rebuilding and restoring their livelihoods, with the current focus shifting toward recovery and rehabilitation of the most impacted areas.