Contesting Proposal for Handling Potential Future Disasters in Cape Verde by Opponents

In the aftermath of the devastating storm that struck São Vicente on August 11, the island is now facing a challenging road to recovery. According to the Minister of Family, Inclusion, and Social Development, 74 families, totalling 255 people, are currently seeking shelter in the region.

The government has declared a state of calamity for six months in São Vicente, Porto Novo (Santo Antão), and the two municipalities of São Nicolau. In response, the executive has approved a comprehensive recovery plan, which includes emergency aid to families and economic activities, with subsidized credit lines and non-repayable funds.

Francisco Carvalho, the leader of PAICV and president of the Municipal Chamber, has emphasised the need for an emergency plan for crisis situations. He has proposed concrete measures and is willing to serve as a spokesperson for the island to the government and other national authorities.

To finance these measures, resources from the National Emergency Fund and the Sovereign Emergency Fund, created in 2019 to respond to natural disasters and external shocks, are being mobilised. The Praia Chamber is also competing for an international fund related to climate changes, with the raised amount entirely allocated to São Vicente.

The proposals presented by PAICV aim to address the demands of Cape Verdean society. They include reducing the prices of internal travel (boat and plane), guaranteeing free access to university, consultations, medicines, and exams for those who cannot pay. Eliminating shacks in Cape Verde is also a priority for PAICV, according to Francisco Carvalho.

The storm caused nine deaths, two missing, flooding neighborhoods, damaging roads, houses, bridges, commercial establishments, causing power outages, and dragging vehicles and other goods into the sea. Twelve families have lost all their belongings, while 62 cannot return to their homes, considered unsafe.

In a positive development, the resumption of domestic flights by TACV has occurred after days of cancellations. However, the recovery process is far from over, and the emergency plan should be planned for the medium and long term, aiming to benefit Cape Verde beyond immediate responses.

Francisco Carvalho has discussed with the local Chamber president ways to support the island, both at the technical level and through processes of obtaining more international support. It is hoped that these efforts will help São Vicente recover and rebuild stronger than before.

Contesting Proposal for Handling Potential Future Disasters in Cape Verde by Opponents