Cape Verde Declares State of Emergency as Deadly Flash Floods Kill Nine, Displace Thousands

Cape Verde has declared a state of emergency after deadly flash floods caused by Tropical Storm Erin killed at least nine people and displaced thousands. The government activated the state of emergency across the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão due to torrential rain, with Deputy Prime Minister Olavo Correia describing the situation as catastrophic.

The extreme weather event shattered rainfall records, with 193mm of rain falling in just five hours on São Vicente, destroying roads and houses. The National Meteorology Institute confirmed the lack of adequate radar systems to predict storm intensity, highlighting the nation's vulnerability to climate change.

The state of emergency declaration unlocks a crisis fund for urgent repairs to the power grid, water system, and transportation network, critical to the island's economy. Cape Verdeans abroad have launched an emergency crowdfunding campaign to support survivors, with the disaster serving as a grim reminder of the nation's extreme vulnerability to climate shocks.

Scientists warn that such events may become more frequent and severe, urging the government to.