Death toll in Haiti floods tops 550

More than 550 people are dead in Haiti from flooding and mudslides triggered by Tropical Storm Jeanne and aid workers said half of the northern coastal city of Gonaives was still underwater on Monday.

The storm, which has strengthened to a hurricane, sent heavy rains and a wall of muddy water crashing through several northern towns over the weekend. Rescue workers were struggling to reach stranded residents and recover bodies.

In Gonaives, "more than 500 people have been killed," said Elie Cantave, the government delegate for the Artibonite province, which includes Gonaives.

The city is the birthplace of Haiti's independence from France 200 years ago.

Forty-seven people were also confirmed killed in the northwest province, around the town of Port-de-Paix, said Henry Max Thelus, a government official. Eight deaths were recorded elsewhere, putting the total death toll at 556.

Interim Prime Minister Gerard Latortue declared three days of national mourning.

Source: Agencies