A helicopter ferrying medical and food supplies landing in Zimbabwe's Manicaland province devastated by Cyclone Idai ...

((INTRO)): The United Nations is assessing the Cyclone Idai humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe as calls for the government to provide aid more quickly grow louder. Columbus Mavhunga reports from the hard hit district of Chimanimani, about 500 kilometers south east of Harare.

Search dogs sourced from South Africa are now being used in Manicaland province where hundreds of people are still missing, a week after heavy rains caused by Cyclone Idai flooded the region.

((INTRO)): The United Nations is assessing the Cyclone Idai humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe as calls for the government to provide aid more quickly grow louder. Columbus Mavhunga reports from the hard hit district of Chimanimani, about 500 kilometers south east of Harare.

Victims of Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe are calling on the government to expedite relief aid. As Columbus Mavhunga reports from the hard-hit city of Chimanimani, the government is appealing to the international community for help with medicine, food and infrastructure.

While visiting Chimanimani Thursday where Cyclone Idai dealt a heavy blow to the residents and community, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed why he cut short his trip to the UA, and also declared that noo one will be discriminated against in the distribution of food and other supplies.

Rescue efforts are underway in Chimanimani district in Manicaland, following the damage caused by Cyclone Idai, which entered Zimbabwe from Mozambique on March 15th. Chipinge was also severely affected, and also Masvingo and Mashonaland East Provinces

Parts of Zimbabwe's Manicaland Province where Cyclone Idai had the worst impact, have started receiving assistance in the form of food, clothes and other necessities. However, while that sight is relieving, the mood is dampened by the bodies of loved one being carried away for burial.

VOA reporters Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye of the Zimbabwe Service and Amancio Vilanculos of the Portuguese Service, provide update on the relief efforts underway to help survivors of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Both appeared on VOA's TV program Africa 54 hosted by Vincent Makori.

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa visited Manicaland Province, Wednesday, to meet with survivors of Cyclone Idai. Many died, and hundreds more were left homeless by the cyclone that also destroyed roads and bridges. Mnangagwa assured those affected of govt assisted food, clothes and medicine.