What does 'death toll' mean?

A death toll refers to the total number of people confirmed to have died as a direct result of a specific event, such as a disaster, conflict, or health crisis.

How are death tolls typically counted and reported?

Death tolls are usually compiled by government bodies, health organizations, or humanitarian agencies based on official records, hospital data, forensic reports, and verified eyewitness accounts.

Why do death tolls sometimes change over time?

Death tolls are often preliminary and can be updated as more information becomes available, bodies are recovered, or causes of death are confirmed, especially in complex or ongoing events.

What types of events commonly have reported death tolls?

Common events include natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods), armed conflicts, pandemics, terrorist attacks, and major industrial or transportation accidents.