Praia: The government of Cape Verde announced Thursday a state of emergency after a tropical storm devastated parts of the African archipelago, killing at least eight people and prompting a two-day national mourning.

According to Qatar News Agency, local authorities reported that rescue teams continue searching for dozens of missing persons, noting that around 1,500 people have been left homeless since Tropical Storm Erin struck the islands of Sao Vicente, Santo Antao, and Sao Nicolau last Monday. The storm destroyed numerous homes and roads, caused bridge collapses, and triggered severe flooding across the three islands.

Cape Verde's Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva announced late Wednesday the formation of a crisis management board to accelerate relief efforts. He noted that the World Bank has provided USD 10 million for reconstruction efforts.