The United Nations Refugee agency says it is concerned by the increasing number of South Sudanese fleeing to Sudan because of increased food insecurity.

It says some 38,000 people have fled from the former Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Warrap states into East and South Darfur since end of January.

UNHCR says food insecurity in South Sudan has been caused by the ongoing conflict and deteriorating economic conditions.

It says in its latest report that the Government of Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission reported the arrival of 2,328 South Sudanese in El Meiram and 2,520 in Kharasana, in West Kordofan State.

UNHCR says the new arrivals, which may be under-counted, have reached Sudan in poor health, many having risked their lives to reach Sudan.

However, this week, Sudanese authorities closed the border with South Sudan.