ZANU PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday afternoon issued his first ever statement on the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai.

Mnangagwa who is currently away in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, published the below on his Twitter account: “My thoughts & prayers are with all those affected by Cyclone Idai. Rescue operations are underway & we are grateful for the bravery of the men & women of the Zimbabwean armed forces who, along with our local & international partners, are participating in the urgent rescue efforts.”

Amid several more reported missing with some having been swept away by the floods, at 5pm (Zim time) at least 31 people were reported dead from the effects of the cyclone.

At 5p, ZimEye was made to understand that the army has been deployed for assistance. This was according to the MP for Chimanimani, Jsohua Sacco. But at the time of writing several sources interviewed by ZimEye revealed that there was no military presence in their areas. One source said this was likely due to low clouds and strong winds impeding helicopter traffic.

Efforts to get comment from the authorities were underway.

ZimEye is on Saturday evening interviewing sources currently sheltered near Chimanimani Secondary School. (WATCH THE PROGRAM ON ZIMEYE.COM)

Several bridges were viciously washed away in Chimanimani and Chipinge.

As Mnangagwa is away in the UAE, the acting president is Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.