Maputo — The Mozambican government has declared an extra national holiday because of Wednesday's eclipse of the sun.

Although the total eclipse will only be seen in parts of Gaza province, and a partial eclipse in Maputo, Inhambane and Sofala provinces, the holiday is for the entire country.

A government statement warns citizens not to look at the eclipse with the naked eye, since this can cause serious physical damage, up to and including blindness.

The government has urged community radios and other media to explain that the eclipse is a natural phenomenon that is most unlikely to cause any harm, and to demystify any superstitious fears.

The eclipse is seen as an opportunity for Mozambican tourism. Foreign tourists have been heading for the Gaza provincial capital, Xai-Xai, for the best view of the eclipse.

The Gaza provincial tourism director, Ceu Matos, said a commission has been working to inform Gaza residents of the precautions they should take "so as to observe the eclipse without the risk of going blind".

It is expected that all Xai-Xai hotels (which only have 1,500 beds between them) will be full. Other tourists will be accommodated in camping sites.

The Franco-Mozambican Cultural Centre has imported 11,000 pairs of protective glasses which will be distributed free of charge in Gaza. A further 10,500 pairs have been imported by the company Medioptica and will be on sale in Maputo and Gaza.