4 Killed as Ike Ravages Cuba

Hurricane Ike killed 4 people in Cuba and drove 1.2 million from their homes as the savage storm tore a path of destruction through the island, AP reports. Buildings and utility poles toppled and cars were crushed as the storm raced toward Havana. “This critter was angry, really angry,” said a resident. The storm fell to Category 1 yesterday but is likely to strengthen again before slamming Louisiana, Texas, or northern Mexico this weekend.

“I have never seen anything like it in my life. So much force is terrifying,” said one resident. Some 300 houses were ruined where Ike made landfall, and much of eastern Cuba has lost power. Early this morning, winds were reaching almost 80mph as the hurricane moved west-northwest. The storm is expected to move through western Cuba today, arriving in the Gulf of Mexico tonight. (More Hurricane Ike stories.)