Authorities in Mozambique are preparing for Cyclone Freddy by building shelters and planning to evacuate residents of high-risk areas.
Five people were killed when the strong cyclone made landfall in nearby Madagascar on Tuesday. It is predicted to get stronger before making landfall in south-central Mozambique on Friday.
According to officials, the provinces of Sofala, Inhambane, Manica, and Gaza are the most vulnerable. The national risk management organisation has issued a red alert that enables quick response times.
Authorities estimate that up to 1.75 million people could be affected by further rain from the cyclone after already experiencing floods as a result of the country’s heavy rains.
Officials in Zimbabwe have announced that schools in areas that are likely to be impacted would be closed on Friday. Also, miners have been warned against going underground and against crossing flooded rivers.
Eastern, southern, and central Zimbabwe are predicted to experience severe gusts and heavy rains as a result of the cyclone.