With dozens still missing, residents in West Papua province's hillside village of Wasior were combing the mud in search of survivors, some with their bare hands. Hundreds of houses were destroyed — at least 30 of them completely flattened.

"I heard a roar and suddenly the river broke its banks," said Ira Wanoni, describing the scariest deluge, which occurred early Monday. "Water mixed with rocks, mud and logs gushed out. ... Many people didn't have time to save themselves."

With roads underwater and several bridges destroyed, rescue workers were having a hard time reaching the area, which has also been hit by power blackouts and downed telephone lines.

Navy ships carrying soldiers and police were on the way, as were several airplanes loaded down with tents, medical supplies and food.  [ YAHOO NEWS ]