Mozambique blast kills 83

President Armando Guebuza toured the stricken area and visited victims in hospital. He also appealled the nation to be calm.

8220;We mourn what is happening,8221; said Guebuza, who canceled a planned visit to South Africa and summoned an emergency cabinet meeting.

He promised that the ammunitions depot, which contains many obsolete weapons from Mozambique8217;s long civil war, would be moved.

The Defence Ministry said high temperatures that have gripped Maputo in recent months were the most likely cause of Thursday8217;s explosion. The temperature on Thursday was 35 degrees Centigrade. The searing heat was blamed for a smaller explosion at the depot in January when three people were injured.

Maputo airport, which was closed late Thursday, remained out of operation Friday, affecting flights to neighbouring African countries. The Interior Ministry ordered police and firefighters to help the military in destroying all remaining ammunition at the depot.

8211;EMMANUEL CAMILLO