Cape Verde has declared a state of emergency on the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão following devastating flash floods triggered by Tropical Storm Erin. At least nine people have died, and over 1,500 have been displaced after the storm dumped 193mm of rain in just five hours—far surpassing São Vicente’s annual average.

Deputy Prime Minister Olavo Correia described the flooding as “catastrophic,” with homes, roads, and vehicles severely damaged. Emergency crews continue to search for missing persons, while authorities activate crisis funds and fast-track infrastructure repairs.

Meteorologist Ester Brito called the rainfall “uncommon,” admitting the country lacks the radar systems needed to predict such extreme weather. Interior Minister Paulo Rocha described the night of the flood as one filled with “panic and despair.”

Meanwhile, the Cape Verdean diaspora in countries like France, Luxembourg, Portugal, and the U.S. have launched urgent crowdfunding campaigns, raising tens of thousands of euros for food, water, and emergency aid. Humanitarian groups like Hello Cabo Verde are coordinating direct delivery of relief to the affected communities.