HARARE At least 31 people have died in eastern Zimbabwe while dozens were missing as homes and bridges were swept away by a tropical storm.
Cyclone Idai, which brought floodwater and destruction to areas of Mozambique and Malawi, hit Zimbabwe on Friday, cutting off power and communications.
State television ZBC said 31 people had died in the district while more than 70 people were missing.
The information ministry said the army had moved in to rescue 197 pupils trapped at a local school. Sacco said the death toll was expected to rise as rescue efforts continued.
Air force helicopters were rescuing people, but flights were being slowed by heavy winds.
Zimbabwe has faced a severe drought this year that has damaged crops and a United Nations humanitarian agency says 5.3 million people will require food aid.
