Tropical storm Erika hits the Caribbean, claims 27 lives

By NewsGram Staff Writer

San Juan: A tropical storm has unleashed itself on the Caribbean islands of Dominica as it makes his way through the Caribbean. The storm has claimed 27 lives thus far, reported a Dominican media portal.

Dozens more were still missing in the storm "Erika".

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit suggested earlier Friday that the toll was in the range of 20. But the exact numbers haven't yet been specified.

Dominica's works and communications minister Ian Pinnar told a radio station that authorities had recovered 14 bodies and were searching for at least 25 people listed as missing.

While a spokesperson for the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency, based in Barbados, said as many as 30 people were missing in Dominica.

Most of the 27 fatalities were in the southeastern area of Petite Savanne, according to the report.

The worst natural disaster in Dominica's recent history was in 1979, when Hurricane David caused 32 deaths.

(With inputs from IANS)