Emergency declared amid US flooding

US President Barack Obama has declared an emergency for parts of Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky due to widespread flooding.

The White House said the order means the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other departments can help coordinate all disaster relief efforts in Tennessee and Mississippi.

Kentucky governor Steve Beshear said the White House has notified him that parts of his state have also been approved for disaster status.

Over the past two weeks, heavy rains and tornadoes have hit many areas, causing rising waters especially along the Mississippi River, infrastructure damage and dangerous roads.

In Tennessee, the declaration covers Dyer, Lake, Shelby and Stewart counties.

In Mississippi, the counties of Adams, Bolivar, Claiborne, Coahoma, DeSoto, Issaquena, Jefferson, Tunica, Warren, Washington, and Wilkinson are covered.

Mr Beshear did not confirm which counties in Kentucky are included.