The death toll from a devastating tsunami in Indonesia has soared to 1,203 as rescuers search for dozens who are still unaccounted for.
Hundreds were injured after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake triggered deadly waves up to 18ft high which slammed into the island of Sulawesi at a speed of almost 500mph.
Many bodies were found along the shoreline of the city of Palu on Saturday after victims were swept away by giant waves as they played on the beach.
Strong aftershocks continued to rock the coastal city after deadly waves swept through the scenic tourist town.
Hundreds had gathered for a festival on the beach of the city of Palu on Friday when waves smashed ashore at dusk, sweeping many to their death and destroying anything in their path.
Figures collected by the National Police Headquarters put the number killed at 1,203 people.
The death toll is expected to climb even higher. Search and rescue team have struggled to reach cut-off communities feared wiped out by the disaster.
As aftershocks continued to shake the region, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said the toll could rise into the thousands.
Casualties could have been caused along a 200-mile stretch of coast.
Dozens of people were believed to be trapped in the rubble of two hotels and a mall in the devastated coastal city of Palu, which was hit by the tsunami.
In the desperate race to find survivors, a young woman was pulled alive from the rubble of the Roa-Roa Hotel.
Hotel owner Ko Jefry told Metro TV on Saturday that up to 60 people were believed trapped in the ruins.
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President Joko Widodo, visiting a flattened housing complex, called for patience, telling reporters: "I know there are many problems that need to be solved in a short time, including communications."
Desperate residents screamed "we’re hungry, we need food" as soldiers distributed rations from a truck in one neighbourhood.
TV footage showed people making off with clothes and other items from a wrecked mall.
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