Tropical Storm Noel strengthened into a hurricane over the Atlantic today after slamming the Caribbean with heavy rains, flooding and mudslides that left at least 115 dead.

The death toll from Tropical storm Noel rose to 81 today as it headed for the Bahamas amid fears it may reach hurricane force.

Tropical Storm Noel triggered mudslides and floods in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, pushing the region’s death toll to 81 and forcing some parents to choose which of their children to save from the surging waters.