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Catastrophic floods terrorize children in Cape Verde 

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Catastrophic floods in Cape Verde    

On August 11, a powerful tropical storm swept over São Vicente—an island belonging to Cape Verde—leaving children, families and local communities in desperate need of aid. 

São Vicente received 7.6 inches of rain in five hours, nearly double the island’s average annual rainfall of 4.5 inches. 

At least ten people—including four children—lost their lives in the disaster. 

After losing their homes and belongings, approximately 1,500 people are displaced.  

 

Families lost everything 

Since 1981, SOS Children’s Villages has provided safe homes and loving families to children without parental care and strengthened families to prevent separation in Cape Verde.  

After devastating flooding destroyed homes, infrastructure and water sanitation systems, children and families are in crisis. Thousands of people were left without shelter, access to medical care and clean, safe drinking water.  

Humanitarian needs were extensive, but we remained dedicated to protecting vulnerable children from violence, malnutrition and displacement—bringing decades of emergency expertise and strong local relationships to make a sustainable, lasting impact on those in need.   

Our collective impact in Cape Verde

Thanks to compassionate supporters like you, we are:

  • Meeting families’ most urgent needs—like food, clean water, clothing and hygiene products.  

  • Providing psychological support and counseling so families and children have the mental health support they need to heal.  

  • Strengthening children’s and families’ access to education, health care and protection services. 

  • Reinforcing disaster preparedness and climate resilience programs in four communities: Chã de Alecrim, Espia, Bela Vista and Ribeiranha. 

  • Coordinating with multiple international and national partner organizations to implement a swift, safe rebuilding plan.  

How you can help children now 

Donate to the Children in Crisis Fund  

Children need immediate aid to escape the devastating effects of hunger, violence and family separation. Your gift to the Children in Crisis Fund saves lives—providing food, shelter and psychological care to the most vulnerable. 

Join the SOS Guardians  

Join the SOS Guardians and your compassionate monthly support will shield children in crisis worldwide. Your commitment delivers life-saving aid in the hardest to reach places when and where children need you most.