Eastern Canada and north-east America continue in the grip of deadly ice storms which have brought caused chaos across the countries.

President Bill Clinton has declared a federal state of emergency in a five-county area of northern New York state.

In the area surrounding Montreal and Ontario the weather has been responsible for at least 10 deaths. Scores of people have sustained broken bones from falling branches.

A car drives under ice-covered power cables

More than 3 million were without power at the height of the ice storms. The power cuts also closed down water treatment plants.

Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard has asked the federal government to send in 3,000 more soldiers to help the clear-up operation.

About 2,000 troops were originally deployed to help restore electricity and staff emergency shelters in areas of southern Quebec.

The situation was marginally better in neighbouring Ontario, where 80,000 households were without power, while 25,000 homes suffered the same fate in the maritime provinces.

The Canadian Prime Minister, Jean Chretien has postponed joining a trade mission to Mexico to deal with the aftermath of a devastating ice storm.

Across the border, in New York state, Governor George Pataki said: "We are dedicating every resource possible to help the people of the (state's) North Country.

"But it is clear we need federal assistance to respond to a disaster that far surpasses anything we have ever seen."

Almost 500,000 people in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont are without power.

The National Guard has been called in to clear through the wreckage of fallen trees as electricity company employees battle to restore power.
 

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