The death toll has risen to more than 500 as tens of thousands still awaiting rescue with time running out for Cyclone Idai victims

Photo flipboard.com

• 'Disaster on a scale we have ever experienced'
• Cyclone Idai death toll surpasses 500
•  tens of thousands are still awaiting rescue and rescuers fear time is running out
• The death toll has risen to 242 in Mozambique 
• The death toll in Zimbabwe to at least 259
• Malawi say 56 people have died there

It is being described as a 'disaster on a scale we have ever experienced'
The full scope of devastation across three African nations may not be known for some time after the Cyclone Idai death toll surpasses 500; While tens of thousands are still awaiting rescue and rescuers fear time is running out.
Officials are claiming the death toll has risen to 242 in Mozambique.
In Zimbabwe, Defense Minister Oppah Muchinguri told the Associated Press that more than 120 bodies were washed into Mozambique by the flooding, bringing the death toll in Zimbabwe to at least 259.
Officials in Malawi say 56 people have died there.
News24 reports Africa now has an 'inland ocean' where villages once stood, while women, children and babies are stuck in trees waiting to be rescued.
According to the Red Cross, the cyclone damaged or destroyed 90% of Beira.
"We have never had something of this magnitude before in Mozambique," said Emma Beaty, coordinator of NGO grouping Cosaco.
Fears are growing that the humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi could further intensify, with torrential rains in the region expected to continue into Thursday, and flood waters set to rise.
As well as the immediate threat caused by flooding, hunger and illness are growing concerns, with crops and wildlife destroyed and waterborne diseases likely to spread.

Hurricanes and cyclones

Front Page