Mozambique has started three days of national mourning, after Cyclone Idai killed hundreds of people and left a massive trail of destruction across swathes of southeast Africa. On Tuesday, Idai hit the port city of Beira. More than 200 people were killed.  Building were flattened, and millions of lives are at risk. In neighboring Zimbabwe, the official death count is 98, but is likely to grow as hundreds are still missing. Authorities have intensified their search and rescue for survivors in the country's Eastern Highlands region. Farai Mwakutuya has more.

After days of bad weather, helicopters now have access to some of Chimanimani district's worst affected areas. Rescuers have also managed to clear the roads toward a center that had been blocked by fallen trees and debris.

FARAI MWAKUTUYA CHIMANIMANI DISTRICT, ZIMBABWE "It's been a non-stop shuttle service for these helicopters that are flying in critical supplies to the communities and bringing back the wounded."

The injured are being brought here for initial assessment and triaging before transfer to Chipinge Hospital.

DR. THEMBA NYONI VOLUNTEER "We have head injuries, some have fractures, broken limbs, some are also broken pelvis or hips."

It's been a harrowing experience for those who have made it out alive, one that's likely to leave permanent scar longs after the superficial ones have healed.

DR. THEMBA NYONI VOLUNTEER "We may treat the wounds now but there are a lot of mental health issues that will rise from this. I have heard some of the stories from the people, some of them have lost family, some have lost children."

At least 500 people are reported missing somewhere in the valleys of Chimanimani. Rescuers are in race against time to reach them before it's too late. All this under the watchful eye of survivors, lucky enough to escape unscathed but now in anguish as they wait, hoping their loved ones and neighbours might be among those coming in on the next flight. FM, CGTN, C, Z.