Our thoughts are with the people of Cabo Verde following the devastating impact of a tropical storm, which struck the island of São Vicente last week, and led the country to declare a state of emergency.

Our sympathy extends to those who have lost loved ones, those whose homes and livelihoods have been affected, the communities now facing the difficult process of recovery, and our collaborators at the Ocean Science Centre Mindelo who experienced substantial damage.

The Cabo Verde Atmospheric Observatory* (CVAO), located in the central Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa, has been fortunate to escape with only minimal damage and we are relieved that all of our CVAO colleagues are safe. However, the site has until very recently been without power, difficult to access due to road damage, and has limited water supply.

The observatory plays a vital role in monitoring atmospheric composition and climate processes in the sub-tropical Atlantic, and its continued operation depends on the dedication of colleagues in Cabo Verde, who are now working under extremely challenging conditions.

We will continue to recognise the resilience and strength of our colleagues, and will offer support in the ways that we can.

*The CVAO is jointly operated by the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, University of York, and local partners such as Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia e Geofísica.