MAPUTO - The death toll in floods in Mozambique has risen from 29 to 32, the National Disasters Management Institute (INGC) reported on Tuesday.

It said the bodies of the latest victims were found in Maganja da Coasta, one of the worst hit regions in the southern African country.

General Director of the INGC Joao Ribeiro told reporters in the capital Maputo that at least 3,385 residents in Samaria, Furquia and Lugela in the central province of Zambezia are isolated and awaiting assistance after the area was severely affected by cyclone Funso.

He said the local authority is unable to help because the roads have been cut and that it has no boats to reach the area.

Most access roads are flooded. The Mozambican Red Cross (CVM) says people are crossing swollen rivers by canoe, which is dangerous under current conditions.

The provincial director for transport and communications, Alberto Manharagem, has promised to send a boat from the district of Mopeia this week to provide access to the isolated areas in Namacurra.

The heavy rain in Namacurra has left five people dead and nine others seriously injured. According to Sapage, at least 13,131 houses were damaged by high winds or submerged by floodwater.

In addition, 104 classrooms were flooded, along with farm fields. Across Zambezia province, 21 people have died and 25 others have been injured.

The deputy provincial director for Finance, Graciano Francisco, revealed that 349 houses were destroyed in the city of Quelimane.

Throughout Zambezia, 7,408 houses were totally destroyed and 5, 603 partially damaged, leaving 6,633 families in need of assistance.