U.S. floods: 16 die as east coast ravaged

Published time: 29 Jun, 2006 04:05 Edited time: 29 Jun, 2006 08:05

Sixteen people are dead in the worst flooding to hit the United States east coast in decades.

Authorities in New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Pennsylvania have all declared a state of emergency. In Maryland, thousands have been evacuated and two youths are missing.

People were forced to leave their homes in New York and New Jersey. In eastern Pennsylvania, up to 200,000 have been ordered to evacuate after a major river overflowed to record levels.

Flooding was caused by several days of heavy rain, produced by a low-pressure system hovering off the eastern shore. Forecasters say more thunderstorms are possible along the coast for the rest of the week.