Cape Verde declares state of emergency after deadly floods

Cape Verde, an island nation off the west coast of Africa, has declared a state of emergency following devastating floods that have claimed at least nine lives and left dozens missing. The flooding was caused by heavy rains that hit the islands, with the capital city of Praia being particularly affected. Authorities have described the situation as "catastrophic," with vast amounts of rainfall causing widespread damage to infrastructure and homes. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with the government mobilizing resources to assist those impacted by the floods. Electricity and water supplies have been disrupted in some areas, and the country has appealed for international aid to support its response efforts. The declaration of a state of emergency allows the government to access additional resources and coordinate a more effective response to the crisis. As the country works to recover from the disaster, the focus remains on the search for missing individuals and the provision of essential services to affected communities.