Adventist Church Mobilizes Volunteers and Aid After Flood Hits Cape Verde

Leaders implement a solidarity mission after disaster claims lives, displaces thousands.

In response to the devastating floods that struck São Vicente and Santo Antão in Cape Verde on August 11,  the Cabo Verde Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (CVC) launched a large-scale solidarity mission combining volunteer work and humanitarian assistance. Reports indicate that the recent flash floods claimed several lives, injured more than 20,000, and displaced thousands.

Edson Monteiro, secretary of the Western Sahel Union Mission, reported that “so far, no Adventist member is missing in those affected islands. But many church members lost their houses, and some have been forcibly displaced.”

A group of 30 volunteers from Santo Antão, Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago traveled to São Vicente on August 21. They joined local Pathfinder and youth clubs, already active on the ground, to assist families and communities hardest hit by the torrential rains.
The delegation was accompanied by Natalino Martins, CVC president, who held meetings with local officers to define intervention priorities. The mission, coordinated by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), is expected to last 15 days.

The CVC has committed to covering all expenses related to travel, accommodation, and food for the volunteers, church leaders reported. Their work will include cleanup operations, reconstruction support, and direct assistance to 15 families—about 70 people—identified by the crisis team as the most vulnerable. “Our actions will be fully coordinated with local authorities to ensure efficiency and alignment with community needs,” said Elsa Vieira, a CVC representative.

At the same time, ADRA has been leading a nationwide donation campaign, collecting clothing, nonperishable food, school supplies, and hygiene products at various points across the country. Contributions can also be made through a dedicated bank account, the agency shared. The donations, including those from the Adventist community abroad, will be delivered directly to affected households in São Vicente.

The West-Central Africa Division (WAD) also expressed its solidarity with Cape Verde. “It is with profound sorrow that we have received the news of the devastating floods,” said Bassey E. O. Udoh, WAD president. “In such moments, words may appear fragile, but love compels us to speak. You are not alone. As members of one body in Christ, your pain is our pain, and your tears are our tears.”

Udoh assured the people of Cape Verde of the prayers and support of the wider Adventist family. “Our prayer is that the Holy Spirit may sustain you, that Christ may be your refuge, and that His grace may rebuild and restore your beloved and beautiful nation.”

Church leaders highlighted the joint efforts of everyone involved and their ultimate goal. “By combining the efforts of volunteers, donors, church leaders, and institutional partners, the CVC and ADRA aim to bring not only relief but also a message of hope to a community struggling to recover from one of the most severe storms in recent years,” they said.

The original version of this story was posted on the West-Central Africa Division news site.