Toronto Lashed By Heavy Rains, Causing Power Outages And Flooding

NEW YORK, July 17 (Bernama-dpa) -- Torrential rain has flooded streets and caused widespread power outages in Toronto, according to the Canadian Press news agency, as reported by German news agency (dpa). 

On Tuesday alone, the fire brigade rescued 14 people from their cars on the Don Valley Parkway city motorway, which connects the north part of the city and downtown Toronto.

Photos showed some vehicles submerged up to their roofs.

Firefighters also freed people trapped in stalled lifts and other enclosed spaces. There were no reports of injuries or major damage.

The deluge affected several main roads and Union Station, a major transport hub in the city. 

Flooding affected many communities in the greater Toronto area, which was also hit by heavy rainfall.  Parts of roads and motorways were suddenly submerged, leaving many cars stranded, according to the Canadian Press.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed concern, saying: "We really need to address climate change seriously, because days like these are going to be a lot more frequent."

In view of the storm, she said that preventive measures against flooding would now be reviewed.

-- BERNAMA-dpa