afrol News, 5 September - At least 32 people were killed and scores injured in veld fires which destroyed more than 16,000 hectares of arable land in three central provinces of Mozambique. The fires have also displaced thousands of people in the region.

Media reports show that deaths and injuries happened on Monday and Tuesday in central provinces of Manica, Sofala and Zambezia.

Sofala provincial governor, Alberto Vaquina said fires killed 21 people in his province, with scores injured, while 2,085 were displaced and more than 722 homes were burned to the ground.

In Manica province, 11 people reportedly died in the fires and 26 were injured and about 900 houses are said to have been destroyed in Gondola and Barue districts.

There was no independent confirmation of the fires' toll.

Mozambican government is reportedly mobilising resources through national disaster management institute to resettle and feed affected families.

Media reports further show that in several parts of neighbouring South Africa, runaway fires driven by strong winds have killed at least 30 people, including two children, in past week.

The dry South African winter along with strong winds create ideal conditions for veld fires to spread.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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