However, Nyusi said the situation could be much more serious in his speech addressed to the nation, after flying over the disaster-hit areas to conduct inspection on Sunday.

"Everything indicates that we may register more than 1000 deaths," said Nyusi, adding that the cyclone has left the region without drinking water, communications and it has affected the normal functioning of hospitals, schools and other public and private institutions.

"The water of the Pungue and Buzi rivers overflowed, making villages disappear and isolating communities," said the president. "Bodies are floating. It is a real humanitarian disaster with great proportions."