At least 12 people have been killed and thousands displaced when cyclone Funso hit central Mozambique at the weekend, state television said Monday.

"The deaths occured in five districts in Zambezia" province, Mozambique Television said, citing the National Disaster Management Institute.

Seven deaths were reported in Manganja da Costa, two in Nicoadala, one in Namacurra, one in Pebane and one in the provincial capital Quelimane, the report said.

About 5,000 people were displaced when heavy rains pounded the region, causing damage to the only road linking the capital Maputo and the northern areas.

National Institute of Meteorology spokesman Sergio Buque predicted that Funso will continue to batter the coast of Zambezia, Sofala and north of Inhambane provinces, with heavy rains and gusts up to 120 kilometres (75 miles) per hour on Monday.

Cyclones accompanied by heavy rains often hit Mozambique in the early part of the year.

Five people died last week when tropical storm Dando pounded southern Mozambique, sending thousands of people fleeing to higher ground.