JOHANNESBURG, South Africa.- President Jacob Zuma expressed this Wednesday his condolences to the Caribbean Governments and peoples affected by Hurricane Irma, and remarked the solidarity with those countries, with which South Africa maintains cordial relations.

A note by South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation explains that Hurricane Irma, with category five on the Saffir-Simpson scale, was the largest and most devastating in years and caused floods and storms in the area.

The text adds that situation caused dozens of people to lose their lives, as well as the destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of many citizens from their homes.

The statement by President Jacob Zuma adds, On behalf of the Government of South Africa, I wish to send my condolences to these countries and particularly to the relatives of those affected by the tragedy.