The death toll from a landslide in the southern Philippines has risen to 54, the regional government said today, as rescuers pulled more bodies from the mud.

The landslide occurred Tuesday night near a gold mine in Maco City, Davao de Oro province.

In a Facebook post, the regional government of Davao de Oro said 54 people had died in the landslide, raising the previous death toll of 37, as rescuers recovered more bodies.

The number of missing people stands at 63, with the regional government pointing out that the number is unconfirmed. A total of 32 people were injured in the landslide.

Edward Makapili, an official in the Davao de Oro district, said more than 300 people were involved in the rescue operation, but efforts were hampered by heavy rain, the volume of mud and the threat of new landslides.

Asked if there were any survivors, Makapili said it was “unlikely” but the search would continue.

“Rescue teams are doing their best, but it’s very difficult,” Makapili said by phone.

Torrential rains have been hitting Davao de Oro for the past few weeks, causing floods and landslides.