Hurricane Irene has slammed the US east Coast, taking the overall death toll to 10 in the states of North Carolina, Virginia and Florida. According to the National Hurricane Center, wind speeds have diminished gradually. However, weather experts said the relentless rain still made the relief and rescue operation difficult. President Barack Obama, who has declared State of Emergency in eight States, held two conference calls with his top national team. Cities in several States have declared curfew and police are not allowing people to come out on the streets.Meanwhile, emergency shelter homes have been opened in cities across the eastern Coast so that people affected by the hurricane can take shelter. Metro services were also suspended in several cities, including New York, Washington and Boston.