I'm saddened to hear this news, I remember early on in the storm the NWS (or some agency) had issued a statement that estimates of 40,000 to 50,000 dead could be a reality. Many poo-pooed that number as too high. I fear this may have come true...
Those numbers sound about right to me, based on the estimate of 30% of the population having not evacuated, and how many have been pulled out thus far.
A tragedy of the highest order indeed.