Schools in Mozambique’s capital city are being forced to close for a week after heavy rains caused widespread flooding to buildings and roads.

The closures affect all of Maputo’s state and private schools.

Eighteen accommodation centres are available for people in need, city authorities say, but these only house a few thousand people.

A total of almost 43,000 people have been affected by the flooding, according to Maputo Municipal Council.

“We are providing food assistance, buckets, blankets, mats and we are also providing assistance, in coordination with the relief agency, INGD, in providing tents and a little of what they need,” says local councillor Anabela Inguane.

At least two people have died since the downpour began on Sunday.