Typhoon Death Toll Could Reach 10,000
Typhoon Hayian could leave 10,000 dead in its wake in the Philippines as it heads for Vietnam.
Regional police chief Elmer Soria said he was briefed by Leyte provincial Gov. Dominic Petilla late Saturday and told there were about 10,000 deaths on the island, mostly by drowning and from collapsed buildings. The governor’s figure was based on reports from village officials in areas where Typhoon Haiyan slammed Friday.
Tacloban city administrator Tecson Lim said that the death toll in the city alone ‘‘could go up to 10,000.’’
About 300-400 bodies have already been recovered, Lim said…
President Benigno Aquino III said the casualties ‘‘will be substantially more’’ than the official count of 151 as of Sunday — but gave no figure or estimate. He said the government’s priority was to restore power and communications in isolated areas to allow for the delivery of relief and medical assistance to victims.
