WASHINGTON, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said there were unconfirmed reports of "a few deaths" from Hurricane Ike, which slammed the Texas coast on Saturday.

He cited "significant surges" and damage in Texas and Louisiana.

"This has been a very dangerous storm. There will be a lot of rain and the rain will continue to cause flooding problems," Chertoff told reporters.

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