In a statement, the executive secretariat of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) noted that intense rains and cyclonic winds that struck Cape Verde on the 11th caused “irreparable human losses” and highlighted the need for a solidarity response “in this moment of pain and suffering.”
The organization encouraged the international community and specialized agencies to reinforce the efforts of the Cape Verdean government and society, focusing particularly on the most vulnerable populations, to support poverty reduction and mitigate impacts on housing, nutrition, and human rights, especially protecting children, women, and young people affected by the disaster.
The statement further emphasized “the importance of concrete support for investment and productive relaunching as a means to promote resilience and sustainable recovery for the country.”
The CPLP recalled the commitments made within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the community’s strategy for this area, underscoring the urgency of joint action to mitigate the impacts of climate change on people’s lives.
The executive secretariat also reminded that, as early as 2019, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned of severe risks stemming from the climate crisis, with particular impact on coastal cities and islands, stressing the need for “compensation mechanisms” to alleviate socio-economic effects and prevent the worsening of poverty.
Nine people died, one person is missing, and 12 were left homeless due to the floods caused by intense rains that hit the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão in the early hours of August 11.
Streets were flooded, houses partially destroyed, pavements and sidewalks lifted, and debris scattered, highlighting the strength of the rain, which also destroyed several vehicles and commercial establishments.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the government of Cape Verde announced that Portuguese military personnel would assist in restoring critical services, including water and electricity supply, and in cleaning efforts.
