Six Flags over Georgia theme park in Austell, near Atlanta, US, has reopened following a clean up operation.

Weeks of heavy rain in the region resulted in the entire park being flooded. Satellite images taken of the site last week showed the extent of the deluge, as only the tops of the roller coasters and other high rides were visible as the region was drenched under several feet of water.

Staff at the park worked around the clock to clean up the park and ensure all the rides were safe to receive guests.

Other attractions in Atlanta - such as the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca Cola - escaped severe damage but have suffered falls in attendance in the past week due to the difficult travelling conditions.

According to local media, nine people lost their lives due to flooding in the Atlanta area, while the rainwater caused more than US$250m worth of damage to infrastructure. Gov. Sonny Perdue of Georgia was forced to declare a state of emergency in 17 counties.