Nearly 500,000 people have been affected by flash flooding in six regional states in South Sudan, according to the UN.

The six most affected states are Jonglei in the eastern part of the country, Western Equatoria, Warrap, Northern Bahr El- Ghazal, and the two oil-rich producing states of Unity and Upper Nile in the northern part of the country.

“An estimated 426,000 people have been affected and displaced by floods in South Sudan since May. Insecurity in Warrap State has made it difficult to respond to people’s needs there,” OCHA says in a press release.

It says the floods have made communities more vulnerable, with many displaced people seeking refuge in churches and schools.

The UN says the affected people need emergency shelter, health and food supplies among other items.

Early seasonal rains that have caused an overflow of the River Nile are being blamed for flooding vast areas of land and settlements.

More heavy rains and flooding are forecast in the coming months.