The UN Refugee Agency has started relocating over 50,000 South Sudanese refugees from areas of western Ethiopia, ahead of the start of the rainy season next month.

The UNHCR says the refugees are being moved from Leitchuor and Nip Nip refugee camps in Gambella.

The agency says the two camps are severely affected by floods during rainy seasons.

It says about 48,430 refugees from Leitchuor will be relocated to Jewi, the new camp located some 18 kms from the regional capital Gambella.

The refugees from Nip Nip are being relocated to the new Pugnido camp, which currently hosts nearly 56,000 other South Sudanese refugees.

In a statement, the Head of the UNHCR Sub-Office in Gambella, Angele Djohossou said the agency is relocating the willing refugees in a safe and dignified manner.

The first group of 377 refugees left in a convoy of 11 vehicles with on yesterday.