Harare_(dpa) _ Seven people have been swept away by floods in central Zimbabwe, bringing the death toll from recent heavy rains to at least 21, reports said Friday.

The seven were swept away Thurday by the flooded Chamakarara River in Masvingo, said the daily Herald.

They were travelling on the back of a truck that tried to cross the river.

At least 21 people are known to have died since the start of the rainy season in Zimbabwe. One of the worst affected areas is Muzarabani in northern Zimbabwe where heavy rains are reported to have devastated 43 villages. dpa rt ds