US officials fear 600 people dead from storm Helene

It is feared more than 600 people have died after hurricane Helene battered through the US, officials have said.

Nationwide, more than 100 people have been confirmed dead, according to the BBC's US partner CBS, with officials warning that figure is expected to rise.

Helene slammed into Florida as a category four hurricane on Thursday, but was downgraded to a tropical storm.

Rescuers are focusing their efforts on Asheville, North Carolina - one of the worst affected areas.