'Thunderstorm asthma' deaths in Melbourne rise to eight

The number of people dying in the Australian city of Melbourne from a rare phenomenon called thunderstorm asthma has risen to eight.

One person remains in a critical condition.

Heavy rains and winds last Monday triggered thousands of pollen allergy asthma attacks in the state of Victoria.

Paramedics and hospitals were stretched to their limits as thousands phoned to report breathing problems.

Thunderstorm asthma occurs in the spring when rye grass pollen gets wet, breaks into smaller pieces and enters people's lungs, causing them breathing problems.

More than 8,000 people were treated in hospital.

About one in 10 people has asthma in Australia, with about 80% of those sufferers experiencing allergies, particularly to rye pollen.

Melbourne's current spring season has been particularly wet, creating havoc for asthma and hay fever sufferers.