US winding down health aid to Zimbabwe after talks collapse

A major highway bridge collapsed in the coastal city today, triggering a search for survivors amid chaotic scenes as ambulances ferried injured to nearby hospitals. Local officials declared a temporary evacuation zone within a two-kilometer radius, citing risks from debris and potential aftershocks, while engineers began assessing structural failure causes.

Rescue teams reported several people unaccounted for as nightfall approached, and progress was slow due to heavy traffic congestion and ongoing weather conditions. Authorities urged residents to avoid the area and to follow official updates on shelter arrangements and aid distribution points.

In a separate development, regional authorities announced an emergency funding package to repair critical infrastructure and support displaced residents, with the national government pledging temporary housing and medical services as assessments continue. The incident has prompted investigations into maintenance records and previous inspection reports for the bridge.