Cyclone Idai hits Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, killing nearly 150

Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi have been hit by a vicious cyclone that has killed nearly 150 people, left hundreds more missing and stranded tens of thousands.

According to the UN and government officials, Cyclone Idai has affected more than 1.5 million people in the three southern African countries.

In Zimbabwe, 31 people have died from the floods so far. According to the government, the deaths are mainly in Zimbabwe's Chimanimani, a mountainous area along the eastern border with Mozambique that is popular with tourists.

Many houses have been damaged and bridges washed away in parts Manicaland province which borders Mozambique.

Ministry of Information said the Zimbabwean national army is leading the rescue efforts. UN agencies and the Red Cross are also helping with rescue efforts. Zimbabwe state television station, ZBC, reported that 150 people are missing.

In Mozambique, the central port city of Beira where the airport is closed, electricity is out and many homes have been destroyed. Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi said the damage is very worrisome.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said that people are now facing a second threat of lash floods following the cyclone in Malawi. (AIR)

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