MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Sept 29, 2010 (AFP) - Tropical Storm Nicole left at least two people dead and a dozen more missing in Jamaica after it passed over the Caribbean island, unleashing floods and mudslides, officials said. The storm struck Jamaica on Tuesday with high winds and torrential rains, uprooting trees, blocking roads and isolating communities, before moving on to Cuba and then weakening in the Florida Straits. Public Information Minister Daryl Vaz said two people were confirmed dead as a result of the storm and 12 others remained missing late Wednesday. "It's a serious blow to the country," he said. With many streets turned into virtual rivers choked with fallen branches and other debris, authorities urged people to stay in their homes until the situation improves. Schools and universities suspended classes, and government and businesses were largely shut down. The Office of Disasters and Emergency Management reported heavy flooding on the main roads and said some communities were cut off because of blocked roads. Water supplies were interrupted in large parts of the country, it said.
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