Maputo [Mozambique], April 9 (HBTV): At least 97 people have died after an overloaded boat capsized and sank off the coast of Mozambique late Sunday, VOA News reported, citing Radio Mozambique.   

Silveiro Nauaito, the administrator of Mozambique's northern province of Nampula, said those aboard the boat were mostly women and children. They were travelling from the northern Lunga district to a small island off the coast known as Mozambique Island, VOA News reported, citing Radio Mozambique.  

Nauaito said 130 passengers were reportedly fleeing due to disinformation about a cholera outbreak and were travelling to the island for health care.

Nauaito said rescue teams have found 12 survivors and were searching for more. However, poor weather at sea was making the operation more difficult. He said 91 bodies were found on Sunday and six others on Monday. He stated that 40 bodies have been taken either to the island or the mainland, and burials of the victims have started.   

Since January, Mozambique has been making efforts to contain a deadly cholera outbreak in its northern regions. The health crisis has also impacted neighboring countries like Malawi and Zambia.  

Boats are an important means of transport in Mozambique, which has a dilapidated road network.    

(ANI) This is a syndicated news feed. HBTV has edited it for clarity.