Dire Dawa, Ethiopia ? Rescuers using earth movers and their bare hands searched for survivors Monday, a day after flash floods killed at least 200 people, including dozens of children.

Hundreds more were feared missing, and officials said there was little chance of finding more survivors.

Flood waters crashed through homes after a river burst its banks early Sunday following heavy rains. The waters flipped cars, swept away houses and severed power and communications lines.

Simon Mechale, head of the government’s emergency arm, the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency, called for international help. A U.N. team was at the scene to assess the damage and what assistance they could provide.

Officials put the death toll at around 200, with 39 children among the victims, and said that number was expected to rise.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi flew to the town Monday and said officials were “doing everything possible … for the people of Dire Dawa.”

“This will hurt the development of Dire Dawa but we will do everything we can to help them recover,” Zenawi said.