Washington, Apr 19 (IANS): Texas state Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster in nine counties of the state due to heavy rainfall.

Abbott addressed the media in Austin on Monday, which was one of several areas in the state hit by heavy storms. The state of emergency was declared in Austin, Bastrop, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Grimes, Montgomery, Waller and Wharton, the Dallas Morning Post reported.

“There will be parts of Texas that will continue to see rain over the next few days,” Abbott said.

Parts of Central and South Texas were hammered with rain on Sunday and Monday.

Many streets in Houston were flooded after 16 inches of rain in 24 hours.

A TV reporter made news in Bayou city when he helped a man out of a sinking car. Images of horses fighting for survival spread across the internet.

Several shelters were established for people forced from their homes.

At least 100 people taken from apartment complexes in the north part of the city were being sheltered at a shopping mall.