Christopher Makaza

The powerful tropical Cyclone Idai death toll has risen to 139 following discoveries of more bodies in Ngangu and Kopa areas in Chimanimani, the Harare Post reports.

Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services posted on their Twitter handle updated information of the fatalities caused by the harsh tropical storm which has been described by the United Nations as the worst to hit the Southern Hemisphere.

Statistics released by the Ministry reveals that of the 139 deaths, Manicaland has the highest number of deaths which stood at 134, Masvingo has 4 and Mash East has recorded 1, while the number of missing persons stood at 189.

In Mashonaland East 45 households were affected and 300 people are in need of food aid in Chikomba and Marondera districts.

The Information Department reports that Cyclone Idai has left more than 2 724 households displaced and 19 critically ill.

Meanwhile, a total of 44 bodies were yesterday buried at a reserved heroes’ acre in Chimanimani district.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday toured the affected areas in Manicaland where he comforted and assured the victims that Government had enough food and other basic items for them.

President Mnangangwa also said that goods he mobilised from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Tanzania were on their way and would soon be in Mutare ready for distribution in the affected areas. He thanked local well-wishers for their heartfelt donations.

President Mnangagwa also assured the people that Government would move to speedily restore all services like water, roads and construction of roads in Chimanimani and Chipinge as well as provide necessary relief to affected communities.