Zimbabwe: Death toll from tropical cyclone climbs to 65

HARARE, Zimbabwe

The death toll from tropical Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe has risen to 65, an official confirmed on Sunday.

Joshua Sacco, a legislator from affected Chimanimani East district, said the number of those missing is not known as an entire village was swept away.

“We are talking about loss of lives, at the moment 65 deaths have been confirmed," he told Anadolu Agency by phone, fearing the death toll could rise.

“We are worried about an area called Copper were Rusitu and Nyahode Rivers meet, that’s where the whole police camp and several government houses were swept away, we don’t know where those workers are,” Joshua added.

Cyclone Idai caused a trail of destruction and affected millions of people in the region bordering Mozambique.

The local legislator revealed that rescue helicopters from the military were on standby waiting for clouds and winds to subside.

Due to inclement weather, Zimbabwean military has resorted to using road transport to rescue those marooned and provide assistance, despite several damaged bridges.

Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Sunday reportedly cut short his official trip to UAE owing to the disaster.

“President Mnangagwa has shortened his visit to the UAE to make sure he is involved directly with the national response by way of relief to victims of cyclone IDAI,” the Ministry of Information said in a tweet.