A second powerful cyclone has struck Mozambique demolishing homes, killing at least three and threatening "massive flooding" in the days ahead.

Cyclone Kenneth, a category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 120 mph, hit the north of the country on Thursday only six weeks after Cyclone Idai caused widespread destruction in the centre of the country.

There were more than 600 “recorded deaths” following Idai but local experts believe the true number is much higher as tens of thousands have been displaced and record keeping in the world’s 10th poorest country is notoriously poor.

Over the next 10 days, Cyclone Kenneth is expected to drop twice as much rain as Idai did last month.

Richard Sharp, CEO of Team Rubicon UK, a British NGO which was praised for its rapid response and ability to get into the most remote areas in the first cyclone, said rain was currently falling in the North at a rate of three inches an hour.