We previous reported on the catastrophic tropical storm Erin that hit the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão on Monday 11 August. Some of the pictures that appeared on the internet illustrated just how terrible the damage and loss was on São Vicente. It is understood that at least nine people died and that others are still missing. 1,500 people were forced from their homes and many people have lost their homes and their possessions. The destruction was widespread. Roads were so badly damaged that it was difficult to move around. Many vehicles were severely damaged and some were washed into the sea. A week after the storm, some people have been allowed to return to their homes from the temporary shelters.

The storm delivered 193mm of rain in just five hours. This is far more than the average annual rainfall on the island. It should be remembered that the islands of Santo Antão and São Nicolau were also affected. Roads and buildings suffering damage. However, it appears that São Vicente took the brunt of the storm. The government of Cape Verde declared a state of emergency. Storm Erin moved west towards the Caribbean and was subsequently upgraded to a category five hurricane. It is now starting to turn around and head across the North Atlantic possibly towards Europe, but it is weakening and was downgraded to category 3.

How to help

It is understood that on some of the main tourist islands, such as Sal there have been collections of clothing etc. This will then be sent to São Vicente. If you are on holiday there, maybe you can find ways to donate some items. There have been some appeals, such as ‘Go fund me’ pages. Whilst donations will be welcome, it is important to try and ascertain whether these appeals are genuine and that the money collected will get to the people that need it.

You may choose to make a monetary donation to SOS Children’s Village (Aldeias Infantis SOS), established in 1984. This is an independent, non-governmental organisation that supports disadvantaged children and families in Cape Verde. It works closely with communities, partners, and governments—without political or religious affiliation. This was an organisation suggested by one of our partners on São Vicente. You can learn more about the organisation and donate on their website.

One of the Cape Verde banks (BCA – Banco Comercial do Atlântico) has also set up a fund to help the community on São Vicente.