Time will tell as to the specifics.
You yourself estimated 1500 dead. If that is so, then what MFH's friend so could easily line up with that too if they happened to be working in the worst hit area.
I hope you are wrong, that the death toll is lower. I fear your own estimate may be low, so I pray I am wrong too.
These things can be discussed and relted without offense or insult. It's a frustrating and horrific thing that we are all, in some way, witnessing and a part of. The important thing is really not what we think one way or another, or who is right in these grizzly estimates. The important thing is that there are a lot of people suffering right now.
I pray God will rest the souls of the departed and strengthen, buoy up, and comfort those who are mourning or continuing to suffer either physically or emotionally.
...and that each of us, in our own spheres of influence will do all we can to help.