11.   Before the storm hit the coast, it had already killed five people and halted trains and ferries and forced the closure of highways.

12.   French maritime authorities abandoned the search Thursday for a Spanish fishing boat with eight men aboard that vanished when a storm hit the southwestern French coast six days ago.

13.   Honduran officials declared an alert Sunday and warned that Mitch could hit the coast Monday.

14.   Honduran officials declared an alert Sunday and warned that Mitch could hit the coast today.

15.   Honduras has had droughts in most parts of the country, although the northern Atlantic coast has been hit by heavy rain, flooding and high temperatures.

16.   Hurricane-force winds could hit the coast by daybreak Wednesday.

17.   Hurricane hits Mexican coast.

18.   Meantime, the seasonal monsoon rains have hit the coast of southern India, bringing some respite.

19.   Officials earlier said the spill would likely hit the coast, but did not know when or where.

20.   Searches were continuing Friday for a Spanish fishing boat with eight men aboard that vanished when a storm hit the southwestern French coast nearly a week ago.