Mozambique braces for cyclone

2007-02-22 08:42

London - The British government on Wednesday warned travellers to evacuate parts of Mozambique as the country was expected to be hit by torrential rain, surging waves and winds reaching 240km/h.

Tropical cyclone Favio is due to hit the central coast of the country on Thursday, with the Bazaruto archipelago and low lying coastal areas taking the brunt of the storm.

The British foreign office was advising against any travel to the archipelago, off the coast of central Mozambique, and for any Britons on the islands to leave immediately.

"Wind gusts could exceed 130 knots (240kph). Low-lying coastal areas may be affected by surging waves. There is a risk of structural damage to buildings," it said.

Mozambique is bracing itself for the cyclone, which comes after four provinces in the country were ravaged by floods last month.

Sapa-dpa

- SAPA