The government is advising communities living downstream of Manyera dam in Vumba that the dam wall has weakened. The warning was released through the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.

This has been caused by Tropical Cyclone Idai-induced rains — which continue to pound the vicinity, filling up dams, affecting their walls.

Vumba District has seen massive landslides, a development likely to prevent authorities from fully appreciating the threat that exists.

Roads have collapsed in landslides in the sparsely-populated Chimanimani and Rusitu Valley.

Meanwhile, government also advises that only positively identified bodies are ferried by helicopters for burial by relatives.

18 unidentified bodies are yet to be buried but are now in a decomposing state. Vhimba area in Chimanimani still to be reached, government said.

Priority remains to save lives first Operations are still underway in Kopa and Rusitu areas. Efforts are also being made to recover mudslide and rubble covered bodies, however the process is slow, the statement said.