Between 170,000–250,000 people are thought to have died as a result of the tsunami, and the count is not yet complete. In Indonesia in particular, 500 bodies a day were still being found in February 2005 and the count was expected to continue past June (CNN, February 10, 2005, [2]). The true final toll may never be known due to bodies having been swept out to sea, but current estimates use conservative methodologies. Relief agencies warn of the possibility of more deaths to come as a result of epidemics caused by poor sanitation, but the threat of starvation seems now to have been largely averted (BBC News, January 9, 2005, [3]). The plight of the many affected people and countries prompted a widespread humanitarian response.
I thin Tsunami ended up to be 250,000 - 275,000. I doubt this will top it. But Tsunami covered FAR more acreage and multiple countries and it was a much bigger wave and less preparation. So, if even close to 50k die in NO/MS/AL with ample warning, someones head should roll.
Ack. Thanks. I think...