The UN's migration agency has called for a “rapid expansion” of humanitarian aid and more funding for operations in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado.

António Vitorino, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) director who is on a visit to Mozambique, said the assistance was needed to support the hundreds of thousands who have fled their homes because of insecurity in the area.

"Significant additional funding is needed to cover life-saving humanitarian needs and work towards lasting solutions, especially before the next rainy and cyclone season in December,” he said.

The IOM head visited the district of Metuge, which hosts about 125,000 people of the more than 800,000 who have been displaced since the end of 2017.

The IOM said it had provided assistance to more than 600,000 people in Cabo Delgado between January and July, including through shelter construction or reconstruction support and providing household items.

However, the organisation says its operations are underfunded. It estimates it needs $58m (£42m) to support emergency and post-crisis efforts.

Cabo Delgado province has been the scene of attacks by armed groups since 2017.