Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes on Friday stood by his estimate of 100,000 dead in last week's devastating quake in the western state of Gujarat.
In an interview to be published in France's Le Figaro newspaper on Saturday, Fernandes said his estimate, which was criticized by cabinet colleagues and the prime minister as exaggerated, was based on a three-day tour he made of the affected areas.
"My own assessment was that the toll could go as high as 100,000 if my worst fears come true," Fernandes said.
"There is no change in my view on this
"I stand by my own assessment but I will be the happiest man if this does not come true ... but I am afraid the figure will come to that."
Gujarat state officials have put the figure at around 30,000, while international relief agencies have suggested a final toll of 50,000.
Officially, the number of confirmed bodies recovered had reached 15,076 on Friday -- NEW DELHI(AFP) -
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