Yolanda death toll could reach 10,000

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — From a conservative estimate of 1000 deaths, authorities now openly admit that the death toll from Supertyphoon Yolanda (International name: Haiyan) that slammed central Philippines three days ago could reach 10,000 after the extent of devastation becomes clearer.

Reports from Barangay officials in areas hit hard by Yolanda have started to come in and horrified residents talked of water as high as trees coming inland.

Regional police commander for Region VIII Elmer Soria said he was told by Leyte Governor Dominic Petilla that based on new data 10,000 might have died in the island of Leyte alone mostly by drowning.

Tacloban city administrator Tecson Lim also announced that 300 to 400 bodies have been recovered and the death toll in the city alone "could go up to 10,000."