The unpredictable cyclone Idai has claimed a total 70 to date, it has emerged.

The official figures were released Sunday night.

65 deaths were confirmed in Manicaland, four in Masvingo and one in Mashonaland East.

It had earlier on Saturday been thought that the cyclone would have dissipated as announced by the Mozambican government.

But speaking on Sunday evening, Zimbabwe’s Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo said helicopter assistance could only be actioned around Monday once the weather has cleared.

Minister Moyo confirmed the death of the 65 people in Manicaland. The deaths in Masvingo and Mashonaland East were confirmed by Bikita District Administrator and chairman of the district’s Civil Protection Unit Mr Bernard Hadzirabwi and Mashonaland East acting provincial administrator Mr Clemence Malawi respectively. Minister Moyo said the 65 died due to drowning and injuries sustained during mud slides.