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Last Updated: Thursday August 28 2008 06:17 GMT

America gets ready for hurricane

People looking at flooding in Haiti

A deadly hurricane which caused chaos in the Caribbean is now thought to be heading towards America.

Hurricane Gustav struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic earlier this week, killing more than 20 people and leaving a trail of destruction.

Afterwards, the storm weakened, but it's thought to be gathering strength and heading towards Cuba, where residents have boarded up their homes.

The US state of Louisiana has already declared a state of emergency.

Vehicles travelling through flood waters
More heavy rain is expected in Haiti

Officials in New Orleans, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina three years ago, are preparing to evacuate the city.

More heavy downpours are expected over Haiti, and also in Cuba, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

Forecasters are warning the rain could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.