At least 157 people have died after two landslides hit southern Ethiopia’s Gofa zone. The first landslide, triggered by heavy rains, occurred on Monday. Minutes later, a second landslide buried people who had gathered to help with rescue efforts.

The death toll increased from 55 late Monday to 157 on Tuesday, according to Kassahun Abayneh, head of the Gofa Zone communications office. He warned that the number of deaths could still rise as the search for bodies continues.

District administrator Misikir Mitiku reported that initially, three families were buried by the landslide. However, the death toll surged when rescuers also got trapped. Despite the danger, images show people digging with their bare hands to rescue survivors or recover bodies.

So far, at least five people have been pulled alive from the mud. This tragic event comes even as other parts of Ethiopia are suffering from severe drought.