Cyclone Idai: 'Total Number Of Deaths, Missing Persons Unknown'

3 Infantry Brigade commander Major General Joe Muzvidziwa, who is leading the army rescue mission said the total number of missing people and those who have died remains unknown.

In an interview with The Chronicle at Skyline junction in Chimanimani, Muzvidziwa said there is no sufficient data on the number of missing persons and those who have died especially in the Rusitu Valley where loss of human life and damage to infrastructure was extensive.  He however said he expects the number of missing people not to be less than 500 people. Said Mudzidziwa:

We do not have sufficient data on the numbers of people who died and those that are missing. In fact, when the data collation is done, we are expecting the number of missing people not to be less than 500. The good thing is that the water levels have receded and if we manage to clear the roads we could have a clear picture by end of day tomorrow (today).

On Monday, the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting said the total number of confirmed deaths from Cyclone Idai was 98. The information ministry said 217 were reported missing, 102 injured while 42 were marooned.

Related:

• Cyclone Idai Zimbabwe Update: Death Toll Rises To 98

• Cyclone Idai: Burial Of Victims Starts In Zimbabwe

More: Chronicle