Argentina storms hit 1,500 homes in Cordoba, killing seven Published duration 17 February 2015

image copyright Reuters image caption Hundreds of people have not been able to return to their homes since Sunday

Deadly rainstorms that swept through the northern Argentine province of Cordoba damaged at least 1,500 houses and destroyed two bridges, authorities say.

At least seven people were killed and a 21-year-old woman is missing.

More than 32cm (12.6in) of rain fell in the space of 12 hours on Sunday, causing the river Ascochinga to flood.

Clean up operations are under way in Cordoba, some 700km (435 miles) north-west of the capital, Buenos Aires.

Cordoba Governor Jose Manuel de la Sota said 1,000 people had to be evacuated from the regional capital, Cordoba, and the surrounding Sierras Chicas area.

At least 500 of them have still not been able to return to their homes.

image copyright AFP image caption Water levels on the river Ascochinga have lowered, revealing the scale of the damage

image copyright AFP image caption The situation is tense in the area, with more heavy rain expected in the next few days

image copyright AFP image caption Soldiers have been sent to the province of Cordoba to help with the crisis