With floodwaters expected to rise in the British town of Staines, rescue efforts already are underway for the elderly.

Severe flood warnings remain in place for much of the south and west of Britain.

Parts of southwest England have been under water for weeks after heavy rain in February followed the wettest January in nearly 250 years.

The government, which has been criticized for reacting too slowly to the floods, has promised to spend whatever is needed for the relief effort.