California, while less prone to deluges like the one that struck Texas, has its own ingredients for a lethal flash flood.

As climate change increases the frequency of environmental disasters, experts say federal cuts could leave California and other states vulnerable in the years ahead.

Dozens have been killed in the US state of Texas after heavy rain caused flash flooding, with 27 missing from a children's camp. Homes have been washed out and vehicles swept away in flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas. Many are dead, with more missing following the extreme flooding.