In USA, states of emergency have now been declared in four states and the US capital after violent storms cut a swathe through the east of the country. Thirteen deaths have been linked to the sudden storms, which, packing hurricane-strength winds, uprooted trees and downed power lines. Amid an intense heat wave, three million people were left without power. Power companies are warning that some may not have electricity restored for up to a week.
Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio and the District of Columbia have all now declared states of emergency. Meanwhile, utility companies said they were working around the clock to repair damage which some described as catastrophic.