Hurricane Sandy blasted across eastern Cuba today as a potent Category 2 storm and headed for the Bahamas after causing at least two deaths in the Caribbean.

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.

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.