The death toll from Cyclone Kenneth in Mozambique has risen to 41 and is expected to rise as flooding continues, an official said on Tuesday.
Speaking after the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday night, government spokesman Armindo Ngunga said flooding from the cyclone was “critical” in parts of Cabo Delgado province such as the towns of Ibo, Macomia and Quissanga where many buildings and homes have been destroyed.
The storm pounded the north-eastern city of Pemba and surrounding areas on Monday and more torrential rain was forecast in coming days.
Ngunga said most roads in the affected areas are impassable and the heavy rains made contact difficult.
Aid distribution would begin via helicopter and boats in Ibo and Quissanga as soon as the rains have stopped.
This is the second tropical storm to hit Mozambique in two months. Cyclone Idai, which hit the central region of the country in mid-March, killed at least 600 people.
CM/jn/APA