CHARLESTON (United States) • Record rainfall has left large areas of the US South-east under water, with roads closed and residents warned to stay indoors.

The states of North and South Carolina have been particularly hard-hit by heavy flooding, after what South Carolina's governor called a once-in-a-millennium downpour, but the driving rain has spared almost none of the US East Coast.

The wild weather has been blamed for at least eight deaths in the Carolinas since last Thursday. More than 200 swift-water rescues have been reported since Saturday night.

President Barack Obama has issued an emergency declaration for the state, ordering federal aid for areas affected by flooding.

"This is not something to be out taking pictures of," warned South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. "This is not something that you want your kids playing in. The water is not safe."

 

REAL DANGER

This is not something to be out taking pictures of... The water is not safe.

MS NIKKI HALEY, South Carolina Governor

Streets were submerged in historic Charleston, with flooding closing restaurants and bars. In the state capital, Columbia, the mayor has ordered a 6pm to 6am curfew.

The storms are part of a weather system separate from Hurricane Joaquin, which was downgraded to a Category 2 storm as it headed toward Bermuda. But forecasters said the potential damage there could still rival that in the Bahamas.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS