An explosion at a military ammunition storage dump has killed at least 80 people and left thousands injured in Maputo, Mozambique.

It is reported that the explosions caused by intensive heat occured at a military ammunition storage facility in Laulane, a suburb of Maputo, just before 5 p.m. on the 22nd of March. More than 20 tonnes of old military equipment and weapons were stored in the facility by the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM).

"The number of injured people and casualties is still increasing as the situation is still unfolding. However our volunteers who were deployed at Maputo Central Hospital were able to register a total of at least 80 deaths," says Fernanda Teixiera, the secretary general of Mozambique Red Cross.

"As soon as we were informed about the explosion, we immediately deployed more than 25 volunteers to offer first aid and assist in the rescue operations. Our logistics department has so far provided stretchers and body bags to assist in the evacuation of the victims," said Texeira.

The Mozambique Red Cross also deployed ten more volunteers at the Central Hospital to provide support, while the Provincial Secretary, the Disaster management coordinator and a driver were on standby at the Provincial Branch office during the whole night so as to respond to the evolving crisis.

It has been reported that heavy traffic hampered rescue operations.

Texeira gave credit to the Red Cross volunteers who are still working extremely hard under the blazing flames and intensively high temperatures from the ammunition.