The FINANCIAL — According to RIA Novosti, at least 86 people have died and 32 are still missing following heavy flooding in the Philippines caused by tropical storm Ketsana, regional media said on September 28.
A month's worth of rain fell in six hours on September 26 as Ketsana, also known as Ondoy, brought destruction to the archipelago.
President Gloria Arroyo has declared a state of emergency on the island of Luzon, which has been hardest hit by the floods and landslides in the wake of the storm.
According to official sources, a massive rescue operation is under way as over 435,000 people have been displaced in the capital, Manila, and its surrounding areas.
Ketsana formed early on September 23, about 860 km (535 mi) to the northwest of Palau. It passed over the island of Luzon on September 26 before heading out to the South China Sea, where it is currently located.
Chinese weather authorities have issued a storm warning as Ketsana is expected to hit the Hainan Island on Tuesday.
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