Cyclone Idai, which made a landfall in Mozambique yesterday, has already caused some damages to property and crops in Manicaland Province. More devastating effects were feared when it hit Zimbabwe between yesterday evening and today.

Manicaland chief meteorological officer Mr Lucas Murambi said what the province experienced yesterday were the periphery effects of the cyclone, before it hits the province with more intense rains.

In Mutare, vendors at Sakubva Musika escaped death by a whisker after a section of the roof at the popular market was blown off by strong winds accompanied by rains.
The cyclone also blew off roofs from four houses in Chipinge District.

Farmers in Manicaland recorded massive losses as most of the crops that had survived the dry spell were destroyed by the tropical cyclone.
The province has been experiencing heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds since Thursday as a result of the cyclone. Most of the damages have so far been recorded in Mutasa, Chipinge, Mutare and Chimanimani districts.State media