The deadly storm that hit southern African countries this week has shown the reality of the climate crisis, a UN official has said.

Axar.az reports that the death toll from the destruction caused by Storm Ana has risen to 86.

Rescue workers are trying to reach tens of thousands who have been cut off as roads and bridges have been washed away in Madagascar, Mozambique and Malawi.

Authorities are now watching to see if a second storm Batsirai will hit the continent next week.

In Mozambique, where 18 people have been killed and 120,000 people affected, Maria Luisa Fornara, from the UN children's fund Unicef, described Storm Ana as a "blunt reminder" of the impact that climate change is having.

UN Secretary General António Guterres said more investment was needed to "protect and save lives".