As Mozambique battles to control a fast-spreading cholera outbreak in the cyclone-hit central city of Beira, international assistance is arriving.

The number of cholera cases jumped to 271 over the weekend although no deaths from the disease had been reported. More than 500 people have died in Mozambique from Cyclone Idai, which slammed into Beira more than two weeks ago, according to government officials. Another 250 died in neighboring Zimbabwe and Malawi.

The Chinese government has sent doctors to battle the cholera outbreak in Beira, a port city of 500 000. Chinese aid workers sprayed anti-cholera disinfectant in parts of Beira on Sunday.

The World Health Organisation has said at least 900 000 cholera vaccine doses are expected to arrive on Monday, with a vaccination campaign to start later this week.