He added that the devastation he saw indicates the wave could have been higher than previously reported in some areas — estimated it could even have been more than 20 feet (6 meters) high.

About 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) to the east in central Java, the Mount Merapi volcano was mostly quiet but still a threat after Tuesday's eruption that sent searing ash clouds into the air, killing at least 33 people and injuring 17, said Agustinus, a doctor at the local health department who also goes by one name.

Residents from the hardest-hit villages of Kinahrejo, Ngrangkah, and Kaliadem — which were complete decimated in Tuesday's blast— crammed into refugee camps. Officials brought surviving cows, buffalo and goats down the mountain so that they wouldn't try to go home to check on their livestock.

Thousands attended a mass burial for 26 of the victims 6 miles (10) kilometers from the mountain's base. They included family and friends, who wept and hugged one another as bodies were lowered into the grave in rows.

Among the dead was a revered elder who had refused to leave his ceremonial post as caretaker of the mountain's spirits. He was buried in a separate funeral Thursday.