Death toll in storms and floods in southern U.S. climbs to 16

The death toll has risen to 16 after three days of intense storms and floods in Texas and Oklahoma in the United States.

Authorities expect the figure to increase, as another dozen people are listed as missing.

Local authorities reported 10 people dead in Texas, four of them after flooding in Houston on Tuesday followed a night of incessant rain.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker said that around 2,500 people abandoned vehicles because of flooding and that authorities rescued more than 500 people overnight.

Approximately 4,000 houses in the city sustained damage.

In Hays County, another severely affected region in Texas, the Office of Emergency Management reported two people killed in flooding from the Blanco River, while rescue teams continue searching for more than ten others.

Among the missing is a family whose caravan was swept away in floodwaters before colliding with a bridge.

On Tuesday U.S. President Barack Obama promised federal support for damages from the storm.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared 37 counties “catastrophe areas.”

“You cannot candycoat it. It’s absolutely massive,” said Abbott.

Authorities in Oklahoma have reported six people dead after tornados, storms and floods.