[cyncooper]

I sure hope that the estimates of thousands dead are way off base. However, when I consider the large geographic size of the area hit, I get a sickening feeling. This may well be the worst US natural disaster in my lifetime, or even my parents' lifetimes.

Neither I or anyone else critical of this thread denied that the dead could number in the thousands.

[EveningStar]

MFH posted what his friend said and others have chimed in.

On the other side, you and others have pointed out that his friend's claims have not yet been backed up by valid news sources.

It looks to me like both sides are having their say on this thread and a rational person can make up his own mind.

If the thread gets out of hand, it can be yanked.