A tropical cyclone that struck southern Africa has caused widespread destruction believed to have affected as many as 1.5 million people in three countries. Aid agencies have called it the worst natural disaster in the region in two decades, and warned that the death toll could climb past 1,000.

High winds and heavy rains battered the region for several days before and after the powerful storm made landfall last Friday near Beira, Mozambique. Rescue workers continue to struggle to reach areas that have been cut off by floodwaters.

Here are some scenes of the devastation.