East Africa hit by 270 kmh Cyclone Favio

[Grant]

The authorities in Zimbabwe have issued a flood warning after a tropical cyclone caused widespread damage in central Mozambique.

Weather experts say heavy rains and strong winds are expected in low lying areas in eastern Zimbabwe. Cyclone Favio reached land on Thursday in the central province of Inhambane, and then headed north-west. Strong winds destroyed homes, causing blackouts and injuring at least 17 people in a coastal town. Winds reportedly hit 170mph (270km/h). It has now been downgraded to a tropical storm with winds dropping to 60 mph (100km/h) but heavy rains are continuing.

Mozambique is still struggling after floods left an estimated 120,000 people homeless earlier this month.

BBC NEWS | World | Africa | Zimbabwe in storm flood warning

[Grant]

At least four people and died and scores have been injured after a cyclone ripped through central Mozambique yesterday. Winds reached 170mph as Cyclone Favio powered its way through homes and hotels in the tourist town of Vilanculos.

Authorities in Zimbabwe were last night warning residents that the cyclone, now downgraded to a tropical storm, would hit low lying areas in the east of the country over the weekend. The cyclone destroyed thousands of homes in Mozambique, also hitting hospitals and schools.
Electricity pylons were ripped up, trees uprooted and fields full of crops such as cassava and maize were washed away.

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