At least 31 people have died in Chimanimani, Manicaland province, as inclement weather conditions occasioned with Cylone Idai continue to affect Zimbabwe,  the government has said.

The deceased include three learners at St Charles Lwanga High School and 10 victims from Ngangu Township.

However, many people are still missing, raising fears the death toll might rise.

“The situation is now dire and we are calling for emergency both locally and internationally,” said Madiro, who is also the Zanu-PF provincial chairperson for Manicaland.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has since declared the tragedy caused by Tropical Cyclone Idai a state of disaster.

This was revealed by Acting President Retired General Constantino Chiwenga when he sent a message of condolences to the affected families following the cyclone disaster that has so far claimed 31 lives and left over 100 unaccounted for.