Mozambique Storm Forces 480 from Homes in Heavy Rains

Up to 480 people have been forced to flee their homes following heavy rains in Maputo, Mozambique's capital.

A tropical depression caused torrential rain and high winds, emergency officials said.

Tropical depression Dando was said to have dissipated following two days of extremely bad weather.

As it passed through Maputo and southern areas of the country, it destroyed houses and brought down power lines.

"In the southern Inhambane province, officials said roofs were blown off 71 classrooms, seven teachers' homes and two offices at a school. In neighbouring Gaza province, 40 small homes were swept away and 1 000 goats were killed,", AP said. No deaths were reported.

The homeless were being sheltered in schools, churches and in camps on sports fields.