MANILA, Philippines (September 29, 2009)--The death toll from the massive flooding in the Philippine capital and surrounding areas has climbed to 240 people and 37 others are missing, officials say.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council said Tuesday the homes of nearly 1.9 million were inundated.

Nearly 380,000 people have been displaced and are staying in schools, churches and other evacuation centers.

Overwhelmed officials have called for international help, warning they may not have enough resources to withstand another storm that forecasters say is brewing east of the country and could hit as early as Friday.

Tropical Storm Ketsana, which scythed across the northern Philippines on Saturday, dumped more than a month's worth of rain in just 12 hours, producing the worst flooding to hit the country in more than 40 years.