Government of Timor-Leste

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

.............................................................................................................................

August 15th, 2025

Press Release 

Timor-Leste Expresses Solidarity with Cape Verde Following Torrential Rains  that Devastated the Country

The Government of Timor-Leste expresses its deep solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Cape Verde, especially with the communities on the islands of São Vicente and neighboring islands affected by the torrential rains that fell in the early hours of Monday, August 11, 2025.

In São Vicente, houses and roads were destroyed, bridges collapsed, and several neighborhoods were flooded. Significant damage was also reported in Santo Antão and São Nicolau. Given the gravity of the situation, the Cape Verdean government declared two days of national mourning and declared a state of emergency for a period of six months in the three municipalities in order to allow for the urgent mobilization of resources. The volume of rainfall, particularly in São Vicente, reached unprecedented levels, with reports of destruction never before seen in the region.

The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, said: “On behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, I convey our solidarity to the people and Government of Cape Verde at this difficult time. We share the pain of the bereaved families and reinforce the friendship that unites our countries, trusting in the strength and resilience of the Cape Verdean people to overcome this tragedy.”

The Government of Timor-Leste reaffirms the strong bonds of brotherhood that unite our peoples within the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries and extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and all those facing the consequences of this calamity. END