The Mozambican authorities have suspended classes for around 42,000 pupils due to flooding that affected 21 schools in the Boane district of Maputo province, a week after the start of the school year.

"We're talking about schools that are under water and others that are serving as shelters" for flood victims, said the director of the district education service, Castigo Guambe, quoted by Rádio Moçambique and Lusa.

He expects classes to resume next week.

"In order to make up for the whole week lost, we're thinking of introducing Saturday classes so that the term isn't compromised," said Castigo Guambe.

Several areas of activity are being affected by the floods.

According to the Mozambican authorities, around 40,000 hectares of various agricultural crops are submerged and 13,000 hectares are reported lost.

The number of deaths caused by the floods affecting the Maputo region rose to seven yesterday and the number of people affected exceeds 37,000, according to the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD).