At least 17 people have been killed after heavy rains caused the partial collapse of a rubbish dump in Mozambique.

A 15-metre high pile of rubbish collapsed, destroying seven houses, and rescuers fear more bodies may be buried under the debris.

The accident, at the Hulene landfill, six miles from the centre of the capital, Maputo, happened at 3am local time.

Heavy machinery was brought in to help with the search (EPA)

Families living close to the site have fled their homes fearing another collapse.

Reports suggest the houses were built illegally and officials had previously asked residents to leave.

Despedida Rita, a councillor for Ka Mavota Municipal District, said: “Up to now 17 dead bodies were recovered. We fear more might be unaccounted for.

“So we will keep searching for bodies buried underneath the rubbish pile.”

A landslide at Ethiopia’s largest rubbish dump last year claimed the lives of at least 65 people.

People look for their belongings under collapsed garbage piles in Maputo (EPA)

Residents blamed that collapse on construction work for a biogas plant being built on top of the rubbish pile.

As in Ethiopia, the dead in the Maputo collapse could include those squatting near the landfill site to search for food and items to sell.