Latest: Blasts at Texas chemical plant produce 'incredibly dangerous' plume

Latest: Fires and two explosions have rocked a flooded chemical plant in Texas, sending up a plume that federal authorities described as "incredibly dangerous" and adding a potential new hazard to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Update 4.50pm: Fires and two explosions have rocked a flooded chemical plant in Texas, sending up a plume that federal authorities described as "incredibly dangerous" and adding a potential new hazard to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

The blasts at the Arkema plant, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) north-east of Houston, also ignited a 30ft to 40ft flame.