UN issues conflicting reports on typhoon death toll in the Philippines

UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations has issued conflicting reports on the death toll from the typhoon in the Philippines.

In a briefing Thursday, U.N. Associate Spokesman Farhan Haq said the latest count was 4,460 people killed, and that the figure came from officials in the Philippines.

Not long afterward, he said the number referred to evacuation centers.

He then reversed himself again and said his original statement was correct.

Given the confusion, the AP is seeking to confirm the toll directly with Philippine officials.