 The storm left heavy damage on Trinidad , amounting to about $ 5 million ( 1974 USD ) , making it the most destructive cyclone of the 20th century on the island at the time . Alma damaged about 5 @,@ 000 buildings , leaving 500 people homeless . The storm also wrecked about 17 @,@ 750 acres ( 7 @,@ 180 ha ) of crop fields . There were two deaths on Trinidad , including one who was struck by flying debris . Alma was also responsible a plane crash on Isla Margarita offshore Venezuela , killing 49 people on board due to heavy rainfall . 
