Annan was "deeply saddened" by news that as many as 170 people are feared dead in the flood, thought to have been caused by illegal logging, a spokesman said.

"He wishes to convey his condolences and deepest sympathy to the government of the Republic of Indonesia and and to the victims of the disaster," the spokesman said.

Rescuers said 86 bodies had been recovered but 80 to 100 others were unlikely to be found after they were swept away when a wall of water struck the town late Sunday.

TERRA.WIRE