The promises of aid in Mozambique devastated by the cyclone are insufficient

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that the funds pledged to help Mozambique overcome the damage caused by two successive cyclones "are well below needs".

Last month, international donors announced a contribution of $ 1.2 billion (1.06 billion euros) after the poor southern African country was hit by two powerful cyclones a few weeks away.

But the UN has estimated that 3.2 billion dollars are needed overall. Previously, approximately $ 273 million had been collected for the emergency response.

Guterres, on tour in Mozambique, said: "The funds mobilized for both emergencies and reconstruction are well below needs".

Hurricane Idai, which struck in March, was the biggest storm ever recorded in Mozambique.

It has swept homes, roads and bridges, killing about 700 people and displacing 1.5 million people.

Six weeks later, hurricane Kenneth hit the north of the country, killing at least 41 people.

"The two violent cyclones that hit Mozambique are a consequence of global warming," Guterres said, adding that Mozambique is a victim of climate change without "contributing to global warming."

"The international community has the moral responsibility to show solidarity with Mozambique," he said after an interview with President Filipe Nyusi in Maputo.

Friday, Guterres will fly to the city of Beira, the most affected cyclone Idai. He will visit IDPs in temporary shelters and meet with local authorities.