Flooding is the dominant disaster risk in Cabo Verde. Modeled average annual losses amount to about USD 18.2 million, or 0.93% of gross domestic product; flooding accounts for about USD 13.4 million, 0.68% of gross domestic product and roughly 70% of modeled losses. Santiago, São Vicente and Boa Vista have particularly significant modeled exposure. Fogo has a distinct volcanic risk, while Brava also has volcanic and seismic relevance. Drought, earthquakes, landslides, tropical storms and hurricanes, coastal erosion, sea-level rise and failures of transport, water, power or communications can create additional emergencies. Relevant examples include the Fogo eruption of 2014–2015, Hurricane Fred in 2015, the drought of 2017 and the severe storm of 11 August 2025. The SNPCB plans and coordinates disaster protection, operates the national warning and alarm arrangements, directs emergency operations and supports fire and rescue services. The Comando Nacional de Operações de Socorro, regional commands, Serviços Municipais de Proteção Civil, Cruz Vermelha de Cabo Verde and fire, security, port and airport services can all take part in an operation. The island, municipality, hazard zone and current event status determine which authority gives instructions and which assistance is available. The Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia e Geofísica (INMG) monitors meteorological, climatological, geophysical, geomagnetic and seismic conditions, including national airspace and territorial waters. Warnings may come from the SNPCB, INMG, municipal authorities or other official emergency communication channels. The available information does not establish one nationwide set of public alert levels or a confirmed cell-broadcast system, so people should check current official warnings and follow local instructions rather than rely on a fixed national signal. Preparedness follows the Estratégia Nacional para a Redução de Riscos de Desastres established by Resolução 114/2018. Risk and hazard maps, the Observatório Nacional de Desastres, municipal emergency plans, public exercises and awareness activities support preparedness. Resilient schools, roads, drainage, water and sanitation systems are especially relevant because island dependence can turn an infrastructure failure into a supply, mobility or evacuation problem. For an immediate emergency, call 131. The SNPCB Linha Verde is 800 11 12. Follow instructions from the SNPCB, municipality, police and fire service, and do not return to a danger area until the responsible authorities authorize it. Formal evacuations are organized by protection and emergency authorities with municipal structures. In São Vicente in 2025, preventive evacuations affected Vila Nova, Alto Bomba and other risk areas, with about 275 people temporarily accommodated in the documented operation. A complete nationwide list of evacuation paths and gathering points has not been established; island and municipality plans therefore determine the applicable arrangements. People affected by a disaster can receive rescue, protection, immediate assistance and temporary accommodation or realojamento according to the situation and available capacity. The Fundo Nacional de Emergência (FNE) is an autonomous fund under the finance ministry. Its first category supports operational readiness before natural disasters, while its second category supports rapid assistance, rescue, population support and restoration of normal living conditions during and after an event. The available information does not show a general individual application procedure or standard fee for FNE support. Recovery can include damage assessment, emergency coordination, repairs to homes, roads, water and sanitation networks, mobility services and other critical infrastructure. Resolução 82/2025 established a Strategic Response and Recovery Plan after the August 2025 extreme storm; a declared calamity initially lasts six months and can be extended. International partners may support recovery after a major event, which can later move into longer-term resilience and reconstruction programmes.
Disasters in Cabo Verde
Disasters in Cabo Verde are major emergencies that threaten people, the environment or critical infrastructure and exceed ordinary response capacity. Flooding and flash floods create the greatest modeled losses, followed by drought, volcanic activity on Fogo, earthquakes, landslides, tropical storms and coastal hazards. The Sistema Nacional de Proteção Civil e Bombeiros (SNPCB) coordinates national disaster protection, warnings, rescue and emergency response.
Tip
Use an island- and municipality-specific disaster plan instead of relying on one national checklist. Give first priority to flash-flood exposure, then add measures for volcanic, seismic, drought, coastal, storm and infrastructure risks relevant to your location. Keep official contacts accessible, follow current instructions promptly and do not return to a danger area without authorization.