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Houston floods: Texas city hit by 'historic' rainfall Houston floods: Disaster zone declared after 'historic' rainfall
(about 3 hours later)
The Texas city of Houston has been hit by huge floods, with local media saying at least three people have died. Texas governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency in Houston after record rainfall claimed four lives.
Meteorologists said some 17.6in (44.7cm) of rain fell on Houston on Monday alone, levels national officials said were "historic".Meteorologists said some 17.6in (44.7cm) of rain fell on Houston on Monday alone, levels national officials said were "historic".
Rivers burst their banks in downtown Houston and 1,200 people were rescued from rising floodwaters.Rivers burst their banks in downtown Houston and 1,200 people were rescued from rising floodwaters.
The city and its surrounding county have been declared disaster areas, a local judge said. Close to 70,000 people were left without power in the city, the fourth-largest in the United States.
Close to 70,000 people were left without power in Houston, which, with more than 2m residents, is the fourth-largest in the United States.
At least 1,000 homes have flooded, with the number likely to rise. City officials have turned a large shopping centre into an evacuation centre.At least 1,000 homes have flooded, with the number likely to rise. City officials have turned a large shopping centre into an evacuation centre.
The Channel 13 network and the Houston Chronicle said three people are confirmed to have died. As well as telling people not to drive in the fast-flowing waters, city officials warned against allowing children to play in waters that are likely to contain snakes and ants. At least one of those who died was found in a submerged car, local media reported.
As well as telling people not to drive in the fast-flowing waters, city officials warned against allowing children to play in waters that are likely to contain snakes and ants.
One Houston flood official said waters recorded in one area were 40ft (12 metres) higher than the previous record.One Houston flood official said waters recorded in one area were 40ft (12 metres) higher than the previous record.
The city, on the Gulf of Mexico, is prone to heavy rains, and has seen a number of major flooding events in the last year alone. However, this flood is the largest to strike the city since Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, which led to 23 deaths, the City of Houston Twitter account said.The city, on the Gulf of Mexico, is prone to heavy rains, and has seen a number of major flooding events in the last year alone. However, this flood is the largest to strike the city since Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, which led to 23 deaths, the City of Houston Twitter account said.
Mayor Sylvester Turner said rains were expected to ease by Tuesday.Mayor Sylvester Turner said rains were expected to ease by Tuesday.