Maputo - Floods caused by heavy rains in Mozambique have claimed at least 25 deaths since December, officials said in reports published Wednesday, stressing that there was, however, no cause for alarm.

National Disaster Management Institute (INGC), General Director, Joao Ribiero, was quoted in the Noticias newspaper as saying: "The heavy rains that are battering the country do not constitute a cause for alarm.

"There is a need to pay special attention to the probability of cyclones occurring, given the fact that this is a fertile period for natural phenomenon," Ribeiro added.

The floods that have come ahead of the annual rainy season have so far affected only half the 1 million people authorities had expected would be affected, he said.

Three people more people died this week in cholera outbreak in the capital Maputo and other areas. Around 300 infected people have been admitted to hospital.

Further rain could spread the water-borne disease that has killed 71 people countrywide since late last year. (dpa)