Haiyan, one of the strongest storms to hit land in recorded history, is headed toward Vietnam and was forecast to reach the country south of Hanoi around 7am local time (11am ADT).
The estimate was made after the extent of massive devastation became apparent and horrified residents spoke of storm surges as high as trees.
Regional police chief Elmer Soria said he was briefed by Leyte provincial Gov. Dominic Petilla late Saturday and told there were about 10,000 deaths on the island, mostly by drowning and from collapsed buildings.
The governor's figure was based on reports from village officials in areas where Typhoon Haiyan slammed Friday.
Tacloban city administrator Tecson Lim said that the death toll in the city alone ``could go up to 10,000.''
About 300-400 bodies have already been recovered, Lim said.
The typhoon barreled through six central Philippine islands on Friday, wiping away buildings and leveling seaside homes. Most of the deaths and destruction were on Leyte Island, where Tacloban is located.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the death of a 50-year-old NSW man in Typhoon Haiyan.
It's believed the man was former Australian priest Kevin Lee but DFAT declined to confirm his identity.
Mr Lee, a whistleblower about child sex abuse in the Catholic church, was living in the Philippines with his wife.
Written by pipspiper
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