Floodwaters and mudslides spawned by tropical storm Noel killed at least 48 people in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, officials said today.

Tropical Storm Noel’s centre spun slowly across Cuba as the system’s outer bands dumped heavy rains on island of Hispaniola, prompting thousands to flee their homes to escape rushing floodwaters and mudslides.

Tropical Storm Noel brought heavy rain and flooding to the Dominican Republic and officials said at least 20 people had died.

Tropical Storm Noel brought heavy rain and flooding to the Dominican Republic today and officials said at least 20 people had died.