Rising floodwaters from the remnants of Hurricane Harvey sent thousands of people scrambling on to rooftops or higher ground in Houston, overwhelming rescuers who fielded countless desperate calls for help.

One-fearsome hurricane Harvey has spun deeper into Texas, unloading extraordinary amounts of rain after crashing into vulnerable homes and businesses along the coastline in a blow that killed at least two people and injured up to 14.

Hurricane Harvey rolled over the Texas Gulf Coast on Saturday, leaving one person dead and smashing homes and businesses.