This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-newevent]])
This is a sign of mourning and distress. Alternate translation: "he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth because he was very distressed" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-symaction]])