Typhoon Hagupit weakened into a tropical storm on Monday. <br /><br /> The Philippine Red Cross said that it had left at least 27 people dead in its wake, most of whom drowned in floodwaters.<br /><br /> Philippine authorities had launched a massive evacuation operation ahead of the storm -emptying entire towns and villages. <br /><br /> As the storm moves across a string of islands, forecasters expect it to be near the bustling capital by early Tuesday.<br /><br /> Manila residents fearing storm surges and floods have moved to temporary shelters.<br /><br /> The storm has forced more than one million people from their homes.<br /><br /> Minica Mendoza, one elderly evacuee, explained: “We are staying here because of the powerful storm. Our mayor told us to come here.”<br /><br /> Despite the relief that Hagupit had not been as devastating as was feared, a major operation now remains to get supplies to people left homeless or without power.
