Philippines: Tacloban, Leyte death toll ‘could go up to 10,000’, US relatives desperate to contact loved ones

The devastation of Typhoon Yolanda (International name Haiyan) can now be seen as the storm is gone in the Eastern Visayas province of Leyte.

Leyte, Philippines
Image/© Eugene Alvin Villar,  (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Seav)

The Guardian reports that 70-80% of the buildings in the province have been destroyed and Tacloban city administrator Tecson Lim said that the death toll in that city of 220,000 people  “could go up to 10,000”. This is not to mention the rest of the island.

Storm surges caused sea waters to rise 20 ft, as high as a coconut tree, one person described.

It is reported that 100s of bodies have been found dead in the streets of the city.

The is no electricity, water and food and the looting has begun as desperate people seek sustenance.

A variety of international aid organizations are poised to send relief, see the list on how you can donate.

In the United States, family members anxiously wait to hear about the status of their loved ones in the Philippines, as all communications and phone lines are down.

The Philippine Inquirer reports on two locator services for those who are trying to find their loved ones–The Philippine Red Cross has launched Social Services Restoring Family Links and Tracing Services and Google’s Person finder service. Click the link to find out more.