Heavy rains and floods in Sudan have killed at least 60 people and affected almost 150,000 in the past week, local media said.

Meanwhile, according to VOA News, the United Nations estimated Sunday 26,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged.

Many homes were destroyed or badly damaged by heavy rains near the capital Khartoum. The northern River Nile state has been the worst hit, but several other regions have also been inundated.

Many Sudanese live in one-room homes built of mud bricks which can easily wash away. Residents whose houses were still standing had dragged their belongings outside, where some sat on beds trying to stay above the brown water.

The rains started in early August and are predicted to continue for some time.