Flooding kills at least 18 in Tennessee

Widespread flooding in the southern US state of Tennessee caused by torrential rains has killed at least 18 people, emergency officials said yesterday, as thousands sought shelter from the muddy river waters.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) confirmed the fatalities including 10 dead in Nashville after the Cumberland River - looping through the iconic city famous for its musical heritage - crested at about about 16 metres late Monday, submerging the metropolitan region.

Officials rushed the evacuation of Nashville's historic Grand Ole Opry House, a legendary concert hall showcasing country music stars for over 80 years, as its position next to the Cumberland saw it swamped by the rising river.

Governor Phil Bredesen yesterday formally requested a presidential disaster declaration for 52 counties across the state to better coordinate relief, Tema said, after more than 33 centimeters of rain fell on the region over two days.

Coupled with heavy storms and deadly tornados, severe weather has killed 29 people in the states of Tennessee and Mississippi over the last week.

The flooding yesterday continued to prompt power outages in the metro area and basic utilities such as water treatment systems were shut down. Emergency officials urged residents to drink boiled or bottled water.

Among the dead was an elderly couple who had been driving to church on Sunday when their car was swept away by flood waters, Nashville's Emergency Operations Centre said in a statement.