China’s President, Xi Jinping, has written to his recently installed Mozambican counterpart, Filipe Nysui, saying that “China is ready to help Mozambique” to combat the effects of floods in the country, reported Chinese news agency Xinhua. Floods have recently claimed more than 100 lives, Xinhua added.

“I, on behalf of the Chinese Government and people, offer my condolences to all victims of the flood disasters,” Mr Xi said in the message.

He also offered sincere sympathies to families of the victims and people suffering from the disasters.

“China stands ready to assist Mozambique in disaster relief,” Mr Xi said. “I believe that the Mozambican people will overcome the natural disasters and rebuild their homeland under the leadership of the Mozambican government,” he added.

According to a statement sent to news agency Lusa by the Ministry of State and Public Administration, the floods that hit the provinces of Zambezia, Nampula, Niassa, Cabo Delgado, Sofala and Tete have affected more than 157,000 people.