By JESSE BEDAYN, JAMIE STENGLE and JOHN HANNA Associated Press
First responders in storm-battered Texas are rushing to people trapped in high waters after more heavy rain widened the danger from floods that have killed at least two people and left hundreds more in need of rescue. A week of punishing downpours dumped more than 2 feet (60 centimeters) in some areas as of Friday. The latest round of showers worsened already swollen rivers and flooded rural communities near the border with Mexico that had largely been spared major damage. Gov. Greg Abbott said emergency personnel across a wide swath of southern and central Texas have rescued more than 570 people, including stranded drivers and people trapped in homes.
A landslide in the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing has killed at least eight people and left 34 missing. The disaster struck Friday in Pengshui County, burying over 10 residential buildings and forcing more than 1,100 people to evacuate. State media reported that 10 people were rescued, including two seriously injured. Over 800 rescuers are on site, but efforts are hindered by unstable terrain. Water, electricity and gas supplies were cut off in the area to prevent further disruptions. Authorities have sent more than 8,000 disaster relief items to the area.
