The US city of Houston is in the grip of the biggest storm in the history of the state of Texas, officials say.

Harvey came ashore late on Friday as the most powerful hurricane to hit Texas in more than 50 years and has killed at least two people.

Up to 2,000 people have been rescued in and around Houston, the fourth-largest city in the US, where about 6.6m people live in the metropolitan area.

The area is expected to have received a year’s rainfall within a week. Five people are reported dead. Helicopters have plucked victims from rooftops.

Schools, airports and office buildings in Houston were ordered shut on Monday as scores of roads were turned into rivers.

• BASL demands withdrawal of Anti-Terrorism and Online Safety Bills
• Foreign Minister clarifies presence of family member at UN General Assembly in New York
• Strict rules to be imposed on school canteens
• Minister of Agriculture explores opportunities to export eggs and chicken
• 12-hour water cut in several areas in Colombo