Africa-Press – Cape verde. A group of four American divers from Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) joined the Coast Guard and the Maritime Port Institute (IMP) today in operations in Mindelo Bay, following the flooding on the 11th. This information was released by Crisis Office spokesperson Vitória Veríssimo during the last press conference of the week.
Using hydrographic survey equipment and resources that allow for a better view of the seabed, the American technicians will support the search for the two people still missing, as well as the location of possible submerged objects.
“Yes, it starts today. They will be working alongside the Coast Guard and the IMP on the search and hydrographic survey, because they have the equipment and equipment that allows for this search, this better hydrographic view, precisely because there’s still a lot of mud, it’s very dark, and our divers can’t reach the desired depth. And, as we continue searching not only for people but also to recover property that could probably and possibly be found along the bay, this support will allow us greater access and a better view of the bay,” she explains.
Vitória Veríssimo says that the length of the American divers’ stay will depend on the assessment carried out on the ground.
On another front, she explains that field work continues and even counts on the support of the WHO in disease prevention actions that may arise after the floods.
“So, we have the WHO and the National Institute of Public Health working directly with the Health Department in this regard. There is a plan in place to address contagious diseases, mosquito-borne diseases, and diseases that could be transmitted by the carcasses of dead animals, which are already being treated. Typically, during the rainy season, one of the health department’s responsibilities and recommendations is to address mosquitoes. This precaution, normally taken during the rainy season, should now be doubled or tripled, as we live in São Vicente,” she recommends.
Also regarding health, Vitória Veríssimo urges people to be careful and avoid going to beaches, especially Praia da Laginha, which has received large amounts of water and trash, potentially affecting health.
The National Police and the Armed Forces continue to conduct night patrols, given that attempted robberies are still being reported in warehouses and vulnerable stores. The Red Cross has also stepped up its efforts with families.
“The Red Cross has also increased its field team to support families. We continue to support people in shelter centers. These people have access to healthcare, both physical and psychological, through group meetings, but also individual meetings and counseling with psychologists. Physical healthcare is also provided by the Health Department and the Red Cross, and continues in the shelter centers,” she notes.
Regarding water, the spokesperson for the Crisis Office assures that the distribution carried out by the São Vicente City Council, namely through reservoirs, has already been restored in Ribeira de Julião II, Iraque, Chã de Alecrim, Canalona, Fonte Mestre, Bela Vista, Calhau, São Pedro, and Ribeirinha.
Regarding sewage, she says that the WWTP is already operational with the pumping stations in ‘Tchon de Holanda’ and Ribeira de Vinha, while the Lazareto station is still undergoing work.
The Fish Market is now open for sale, although the fish processing area is not yet operational.
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