Tropical Storm Noel Death Toll up to 48, More Expected

At least 48 people on the island of Hispaniola are dead and several more unaccounted for after Tropical Storm Noel dumped up to 30 inches of rain in parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti over the past few days.

The heavy rains caused massive flooding and deadly mudslides as thousands of residents were forced to flee their low lying homes and seek shelter on higher ground.

In the Dominican Republic several bridges were washed away leaving more than three dozen towns cut off from relief aid.

Officials have confirmed 30 deaths in the Dominican Republic while another 18 deaths were recognized by Haitian officials. Most of the deaths were attributed to the ragging waters caused by swollen rivers.

Tropical Storm Noel was centered over Cuba on Tuesday, causing damage to about 1,000 homes but no deaths have been reported. Forecasters have predicted Noel will head towards the Bahamas and officials there have already begun to prepare for the storm.

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