I got a second message from Steve at 7:47 this AM (Monday).

Quote:
"> The last news said the deaths were over 14,340.

That is the number 'known.' Unfortunately, as so many people were washed
out to sea along with the debris from bungalows, houses, cars, etc.,
there is no telling how many are still under water, trapped by the
debris! Plus, that area is a very popular destination this time of the
year for backpack tourists, and there is no possible way to know how
many of them were lost. They don't have to sign in anywhere, most share
rooms or sleep on the beach, and usually visit the smaller islands that
the news coverage hasn't even mentioned!! Two of my favorite islands,
Hin Muan and Hin Deang were just about scrubbed clean of habitation, and
they each hold several thousand backpack tourists. This is going to be
one for the books!!

Steve "
from Nancree