The search for survivors of a mudslide that claimed the lives of at least 229 people in southern Ethiopia continued on Tuesday. The death toll, which increased significantly from the initial count of 55, included many individuals who attempted to rescue survivors, according to local authorities.

The disaster in Ethiopia’s remote Kencho Shacha Gozdi district was triggered by heavy rain. Young children and pregnant women were among the victims, with at least five people being rescued alive, said Dagmawi Ayele, a local administrator.

The exact number of people still missing is not yet known.

On Monday, numerous victims were laid to rest while rescue teams combed the rugged terrain for survivors of a previous mudslide.

Landslides are a common occurrence during Ethiopia’s rainy season, which began in July and is expected to continue until mid-September.