100 killed as Cyclone Idai heads into Zimbabwe…Malawi, Mozambique count costs

At least 100 people have been killed and close to a million affected by torrential rains in Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa as tropical cyclone Idai heads to Zimbabwe.

At least 66 people in Mozambique, and four in South Africa were killed, after heavy rains caused flash flooding.

In neighbouring Malawi, the death toll rose to 56, an official said on Wednesday, with the country on high alert for cyclone Idai, which is expected to make landfall on  Friday.

Almost 83,000 people have been displaced in the country since storms began more than a week ago, causing rivers to break their banks, leaving villages underwater, and knocking out power and water supplies in some areas.

Chipiliro Khamula, spokesman for Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management, said 56 deaths had been recorded as of Tuesday, as well as 577 injuries.

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