US celebrates Independence Day amid heatwave

Nearly one million people went without power on Independence Day as utilities worked to restore service five days after severe storms hit the eastern US.

Residents without air-conditioning or working refrigerators faced searing heat in the storm's wake.

Some towns cancelled firework displays marking the national holiday, saying police and firefighters could not be spared as repair work continued.

However, the Independence Day parade went ahead in Washington DC, with marching bands and drill teams braving the heat.