More than 400 people died in north-west Pakistan, while across the border in Afghanistan at least 60 were killed.

In Pakistan, several rivers burst their banks, washing away villages, roads and bridges. Some power supplies have been cut to prevent more electrocutions.

Officials say the floods are the worst the region has experienced in more than 80 years, and further rain is forecast.

Nearly half a million people have been displaced and hundreds are thought to have drowned, with more killed in landslides or crushed by collapsing buildings.

Transport and communication links have been badly affected, even away from the worst-hit areas in the Pakistani capital Islamabad.

Pakistani TV channels broadcast footage of vehicles, livestock and people being swept away by powerful torrents.

The army says all available troops have been deployed for relief work. Those living in low-lying flood-prone areas have been advised to move to higher ground.