Torrential rain floods central Texas

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2007

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Torrents of rain flooded homes in central Texas, forcing residents to flee for higher ground as downpours were set to continue into Thursday, media and forecasters said.

Television pictures showed roads submerged and flood water surging through a dam after 18 inches (45 centimeters) of rain fell on Wednesday in the Hill Country region some 40 miles (65 kilometers) from the state capital Austin.

Scores of people were trapped in vehicles, on rooftops and in trees and had to be rescued, the Austin American Statesman newspaper said. No deaths or injuries were reported.

Meanwhile the National Weather Service warned a further 15 inches of rain could fall overnight.

© 2007 AFP