Texas governor signs disaster declaration after flooding kills at least 5

Governor of the U.S. state of Texas, Greg Abbott, on Monday signed a disaster declaration for the Houston area after powerful thunderstorms killed at least five people and damaged hundreds of homes.

The declaration, which covers nine counties including the most affected Harris and Waller, will allow local officials to implement the Lone Star State's emergency assistance plans and order curfews if the heavy rains continue, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Texas officials said that a federal disaster declaration is expected in a few days if property losses are excessive.

So far, at least five people were confirmed dead during the extreme flooding across the Houston area Monday, most of whom drowned, the daily said.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner called for state-of-emergency measures.

Turner said at a press conference Monday morning that the current storms were also creating flood conditions in areas that had not previously experienced them.

In Houston, schools and government offices were closed, inbound and outbound flights were canceled, portions of roads were shut down, and bus and train services were suspended on Monday.

In addition, more than 100,000 homes and businesses in the southwest Texas region reported power outage.

Heavy rains are expected to continue for several days. Residents have been asked to stay at home for safety reasons. Endi