Zambia consoles Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe over cyclone destruction

LUSAKA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Tuesday sent messages of condolences to his counterparts in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe over the deaths, injuries and widespread destruction caused by cyclone Idai.

A statement released by his office said Lungu consoled leaders of the three countries over the tragedies that have befallen them.

He assured his counterparts that the thoughts and prayers of the Zambian people were with the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The cyclone, which was headed towards Zambia has not traversed back to the central position in Mozambique and is likely to head back to the Indian Ocean, according to the country's meteorological body.

The cyclone and ensuing floods have left possibly hundreds of people dead and a trail of destruction in the three countries, according to authorities of the three countries.