Flood catastrophe in Philippines worsens

The number of confirmed deaths in the worst floods in the Philippines for 40 years has risen to 86, officials say. The countrys defence secretary put the number of those displaced at 435,000, nearly double previous estimates. A massive rescue operation is under way in the wake of Tropical Storm Ketsana, whose torrential rains flooded the capital Manila and nearby provinces. Although the water level is beginning to decline, TV footage has shown victims still abandoned on roofs and cars. Defence secretary Gilbert Teodoro said 32 people were officially missing, and that troops, police and civilian volunteers had so far rescued more than 5,000 people. However, in addition to the official death toll, there are reports of dozens more bodies being recovered. Rescue efforts are intensifying as the weather continues to clear, but there are estimates that 80% of the capital is still under water.