At least 35 people have died in heavy rains and floods that hit parts of South Sudan’s Kapoeta state, local authorities said.

Kapoeta Governor Louis Lobong Lojore told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that 35 people died during heavy rains and flooding in several parts of the state on 10 June, without giving further details.

"We lost about 35 people during the heavy rains that hit several counties in the state on 10 June, so this is what happened here," Governor Lobong said.

He further said there were reported incidents of collapsed houses, bridges and flooded homes in the state.

The state governor emphasized the need to support the needy families to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases.

“We are trying to create awareness among our people to control water-borne diseases,” he said.

The top state official pointed out there was no food in the market after floods washed away properties and impassable roads left local residents without any food supplies.

"We are calling on traders to supply food," Lobong said.

Lobong added that they had called on humanitarian agencies to come to their aid but no help that had reached them yet.