US President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for California on Saturday, after storms that pounded the Golden State killed at least 19 people.

• This has led to floods, power outages, mudslides, evacuations and road closures in California.
• The White House in a statement said, President Biden ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the storms.
• The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Merced, Sacramento and Santa Cruz counties.