Los Angeles flood hits university

Burst water main on Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles

The water main burst on Tuesday afternoon

A burst water main on Los Angeles' iconic Sunset Boulevard has caused flooding at the University of California, Los Angeles, local officials say.

The main burst on Tuesday afternoon, sending a jet of water high into the air and opening a hole 10 feet (3m) wide in the street.

Local roads were inundated and water poured into underground car parks.
Three motorists had to be rescued from flooded cars.

The broken main dates from 1921 and carries water from reservoirs in the San Fernando Valley to the city of Los Angeles.

It will take several hours before the flow can be halted, as pipes have to closed slowly to avoid further damage, Los Angeles Water and Power spokeswoman Michele Vargas said.

Police discouraged anyone from trying to surf down streets flooded with ankle-deep water, after some people came to the area with boogie boards.

"That is probably one of the most dangerous things you can do," said Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Jaime Moore.

"For somebody to try and boogie board in this, it's just going to be an asphalt bath."