John Eagling, general manager of the Mchenga coal mine said floods in the mountainous district had also caused extensive damage to mining equipment.

"We are only able to produce 100 tonnes per day (down) from 300 tonnes," Eagling said.

Most of the coal mined at Mchenga is used by local industry. At normal capacity the mine also exports 1,000 tonnes a month to neighbouring Tanzania.

Early this year floods in Malawi caused by cyclonic rains killed around eight people and left another 15,000 homeless. Roads, railways and powerlines were also destroyed.

SPACE.WIRE