Hurricane’s death toll rises to 65 in Caribbean

A man sits in front of his home on debris left by a flood caused by the heavy rains from Hurricane Sandy in Gran Goave, Haiti. AP PHOTO

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti  — As Americans brace for Hurricane Sandy, the Caribbean is still suffering.

Officials say storm-related death toll has risen to 65 as of early Sunday. Haitian authorities have reported 51 of those deaths. Continued rains have added to the initial jolt of the hurricane.

The country is especially vulnerable due to its ramshackle housing and flood-prone hillsides, as well as the fact 370,000 people are still living in emergency shelters after a catastrophic 2010 earthquake.

Deaths also have been reported in Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.