Typhoon Death Toll Nearly Doubles in New U.N. Estimate

U.S. aircraft carrier arrives to help with aid efforts

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The U.N. puts the latest death toll in the typhoon-ravaged Philippines at 4,460, nearly double the government’s last official numbers.

The government counted 2,360 deaths as of early Friday, according to an Associated Press report, but it is not yet clear whether that number will be revised again in light of the U.N. announcement, Reuters reports. Conflicting reports of death tolls have added to the confusion following Supertyphoon Haiyan, which hit the Philippines almost a week ago. The official who originally provided a high estimate of 10,000 was fired this week after the President said the actual number was closer to 2,000 to 2,500.

The U.S.S. George Washington arrived off the coast of the Philippines on Thursday night, carrying 5,000 crew members and 80 aircraft to assist in the relief efforts.

[Reuters]