Another major hurricane to pass through the Caribbean is reported to have caused widespread damage to banana crops on the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. 

Hurricane Maria made landfall as a category five storm earlier this week in Dominica, which lies between the two French overseas territories.

While the eye of the storm did not pass over Martinique, the crop losses are severe. 

Publication France Info [in French] has reported up to 100% damage in the northern production areas of the country, with the figure in the 40-60% range further south on the island.

Widespread damage has also been reported in Guadeloupe. 

Media are also reporting that Dominica has been left 'devastated', having taken a direct hit from the strongest hurricane in the country's history.

The storm is now pummeling Puerto Rico as a category four, with record flooding reported.

Hurricane Maria is later expected to hit the Dominican Republic, after which it is forecast to travel north.

Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the U.S. state of Florida were all heavily affected by Hurricane Irma earlier this month.

The expected path of Hurricane Maria as of Wednesday morning. Source: U.S. National Hurricane Center

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