Two Egyptian military planes carrying humanitarian aid landed in the capital of cyclone-hit Mozambique, Maputo, on Saturday, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The move comes in response to a plea for help sent by Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi after powerful cyclones and flooding hammered his country.

Cyclone Kenneth battered the northern part of the country late in April, killing at least 41 people. It followed Cyclone Idai, which slammed into the south in March, killing more than 1,000 people across Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi and forcing tens of thousands from their homes.

Egypt's assistance, which includes food and medical supplies, is part of a decision announced by the foreign ministry two days ago to send emergency aid to the three southern African countries.