Egypt's health ministry says 12 people have died and dozens were injured as heavy rain batters several cities across the country.

The ministry statement on Friday said six people died and at least 24 others were injured when their buses were caught in the downpour in the southern city of Sohag.

The statement said another four people died and 19 were injured in the Red Sea town of Ras Gharib, without elaborating on the circumstances of their death.

Two were electrocuted in the Suez Canal city of Ismailia. Pictures circulating on social media showed stalled cars and residents wading through knee-deep water.

Last year, flooding devastated parts of the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria. Public outrage at the government's slow response led to the resignation of the city's governor.