At least 15 people have died and 20 are missing on Dominica following Hurricane Maria, the island's Prime Minister has said.

"It is worse than a war zone," Roosevelt Skerrit told a TV network. "It has been brutal. I saw almost complete devastation."

The Caribbean island's communications systems were cut off and its airport forced to close when the category five storm hit, late on Monday night.

"So far, we would have buried in excess of 15 people," Mr Skerrit said. "If there (are) no other fatalities, it is a miracle."

The PM, who has made several flights over the island, said there was "no water, no electricity, very limited communications".


He added: "The main hospital is functioning without electricity. It is very difficult. There are no generators - they have been set aside because of the flooding."

Dominica is "going to need all the help the world has to offer".

Image: Damage caused by Hurricane Maria in Roseau, Dominica

Initial reports from UK aid teams that have arrived in Dominica suggest 90% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

International Development Secretary Priti Patel has described the situation in the region as an "unprecedented crisis".

"Our focus now is on making sure the islands affected have the right supplies in the right places to deal with the aftermath of the latest hurricane," she added.

Whole of Puerto Rico left without power

A Royal Navy helicopter, meanwhile, has rescued a woman and two children from a capsized boat that went missing off Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria.

A man died aboard the vessel.

Named Ferrel, it sent a distress call on Wednesday saying it was adrift amid 20ft (6m) waves and 100mph (160kph) winds, the US Coast Guard said.

Residents on Puerto Rico are picking up the pieces after their homes were pummelled by Hurricane Maria.

A curfew was imposed across the island after 155mph winds ripped off roofs and brought down balconies and power lines, plunging the entire US territory of 3.5 million people into darkness.

The Governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rossello, said the island's Electric Power Authority had been hit so hard it could be months before all its customers have power restored.