© Isabelle Gillen
Tropical Storm Erin has wreaked havoc on Cape Verde’s São Vicente and Santo Antão islands, claiming at least ten lives and triggering a state of emergency, while Luxembourg's Cape Verdean community rallied to raise funds this weekend.
In the night of 11 August, the Cape Verdean islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão were hit by a tropical storm that caused severe flooding. In response, the government of Cape Verde has declared a state of emergency.
The tragedy has also deeply touched the large Cape Verdean community in Luxembourg, which organised a solidarity event this weekend in Bertrange.
So far, ten people have lost their lives in tropical storm Erin, which has since been upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane. Search operations are still underway for those reported missing. The devastation is immense: homes, roads, bridges, and cars have been destroyed. In just five hours, 193 millimetres of rain fell; compared to a monthly average of just 15 millimetres.
Food and drinking water are becoming increasingly scarce. One resident, whose family lives in São Vicente, reported that the island's sewage treatment plant is completely blocked, creating an acute shortage of drinking water. A ticket system for food distribution has been introduced, but it does not guarantee that everyone receives provisions.
At the solidarity day in Bertrange, hosted at Restaurant Boonchu on Saturday and continuing on Sunday, donations were collected for those affected. Clothing, food, beverages, and other essentials are all welcome. The Federation of Cape Verdean Associations in Luxembourg expressed its gratitude, stressing that Cape Verde is no longer able to cope alone and urgently depends on external aid.
Anyone wishing to support those affected can donate through the account of the São Vicente Association via this link.
