Officials in Tacloban City say the death toll there is now more than 4,000 lives lost to the Super Typhoon that devastated the central Philippines last weekend.  That is nearly double the nationwide toll provided by the government in Manila.  President Benigno Aquino had earlier sought to play down typhoon deaths in his country, claiming the national death toll would be 2,000 to 2,500.

Officials in Tacloban City are struggling to understand why President Aquino belittled their estimates as the work of “emotional” people.

“Of course he doesn't want to create too much panic. Perhaps he is grappling with whether he wants to reduce the panic so that life goes on,” said Tacloban city administrator Tecson John Lim, who on Sunday estimated 10,000 likely died in his city alone.

Outside Tacloban, rescue and relief workers, at least a few of whom appear to be children, began the grim process of burying 300 bodies in a mass grave.  A larger mass grave for 1,000 bodies will be dug. 

But the process of rescue and recovery is getting a big boost with the arrival of the Americans in the nuclear-powered USS George Washington aircraft carrier, which has a great water desalination capability – 1.5 Million liters of fresh water per day.

“One of the best capabilities the strike group brings is our 21 helicopters,” read a statement from commander Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery also saying, “These helicopters represent a good deal of lift to move emergency supplies around.”

China is redeeming itself, and upping the money pledged to help the Philippines recover from this unprecedented storm.  Earlier, Beijing said the Red Cross would contribute US$200,000.  Seriously?  Not anymore.  Chinese Foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang now says that Beijing would send US$1.6 million in additional aid to the storm ravaged zone.

China’s contribution is still paltry compared to other nations.  Australia is committing more than A$10,000,000 to the relief effort, and Japan is offering a nearly equal portion.  The US so far is promising US$20 Million and of course its military manpower and know how.