Authorities in Mozambique are preparing for Cyclone Freddy by building shelters and planning to evacuate residents of high-risk areas.
Five people were killed when the strong cyclone made landfall in nearby Madagascar on Tuesday. It is predicted to get stronger before making landfall in south-central Mozambique on Friday.
According to officials, the provinces of Sofala, Inhambane, Manica, and Gaza are the most vulnerable.
The national risk management organization has issued a red alert that enables quick response times.
Heavy rains have already caused flooding in some parts of the country and the authorities say additional rain from the cyclone might affect up to 1.75 million people
In Zimbabwe, officials said they will close schools on Friday in areas likely to be affected. People have also been warned against crossing swollen rivers and miners warned against going underground.
The cyclone is expected to bring high winds and heavy rains to eastern, southern and central Zimbabwe.