Irene death toll rises to 40

Tropical Cyclone Irene has killed 40 people in the US, and authorities warn that flooding could continue for up to three days in northern states.



More than five million people remain without power, while Vermont is reeling from its worst floods in many decades.



The Consumer Federation of America estimates that insurance claims could top $7 billion.



Irene has passed into Canada, after causing havoc on the US east coast from North Carolina to Vermont.



Driving rains and flood tides damaged homes and cut power to more than three million people in New Jersey, Connecticut and New York alone.