Tropical storm rounds on Cuba

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.

Hardest-hit by the sluggish storm were the Dominican Republic and Haiti, which share Hispaniola, where emergency officials reported between 22 and 36 people dead yesterday. Death figures varied because of the difficulty of reaching remote parts of the island.