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At least 66 people have been killed after heavy rains hit central and northern Mozambique, the government says.

The heavy downpour has left over 100 injured and affected over 140,000 people, prompting the government to declare a red alert.

“The government has decreed a red alert due to the continuing rains and the approach of the tropical cyclone Idai, expected to reach the country between Thursday to Friday,” cabinet spokeswoman Ana Comoana said.

Hundreds of thousands of acres of crop farms have been destroyed by the heavy rains and subsequent flooding.

Efforts to evacuate persons living in areas considered high risk are ongoing, and the government has set up temporary accommodation camps to shelter those affected.