On the night of 10-11 August 2025, Cape Verde experienced unprecedented devastation as extreme overnight rainfall, driven by Tropical Storm Erin, swept across the archipelago. Torrential rains transformed streets into torrents, triggered landslides, and severely damaged essential infrastructure. The sudden disaster claimed at least nine lives and affected approximately 119,000 people, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency and two days of national mourning.
Countless homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable, leaving hundreds of families without shelter or possessions. Many residents were forced to seek refuge with relatives, neighbours, or in temporary reception centres. The Red Cross and other local agencies have been assisting the displaced population, providing essential support and shelter.
Survivors describe the night as life-altering, with entire households losing everything within hours. Alcídia dos Reis Fortes, a mother of five, recounted how her home collapsed, leaving her children and herself without any belongings. The disaster has not only destroyed homes but also disrupted livelihoods, deepening the humanitarian needs across the affected communities.
