At least three people died from hunger in Ikotos County, Eastern Equatoria State over the weekend, an official has said.

The three people succumbed to starvation in Manyala Boma, Chahari Payam.

County Commissioner Peter Lokeng says the area has not received rain since the beginning of the year.

He says residents are surviving on wild fruits only and some are fleeing to neighboring Kenya and Uganda in search of food.

“The situation is alarming because people are now moving; some are going to the side of Karianga which is Kabong District (Uganda) and some are going to Kenya, to Kakuma,” he told Eye Radio.

Mr. Lokeng called on humanitarian agencies to intervene urgently.

Similar hunger-related deaths occurred in the neighboring Budi County earlier this month. At least six people died in Budi County.

The worst affected areas included, Nauro, Nangicot, Lauro, and Lorema.