Another factor that could be limiting media reports of the death toll is the banning of news helicopters from the area. What you can't see, you can't report.
I can'r possibly understand the reasoning behind this. The only thing that makes sense is panic at the potential documentation of incompetence by those presumably in charge.
On the other side of the coin, haven't news helicopters in the past actually helped to save lives?
A "not in their job description" activity I admire and endorse.