The death toll from the devastating floods that struck eastern and southern Spain about three weeks ago has risen to 227, with 13 people still missing, according to a statement released Monday by the government of Valencia, the most affected region.
In Valencia alone, 219 lives were lost, with 218 victims identified so far. Media reports reveal that the temporary morgue set up in the city of Valencia to handle the disaster has now been closed.
Cleanup operations continue in more than 80 severely affected areas in western and southern Valencia. Footage aired by RTVE on Monday shows roads still covered in mud, garages filled with water, and large numbers of cars piled up after being swept away by the floods.
Tensions remain high between the Valencia regional government and the central government in Madrid regarding the handling of the crisis and accountability for the disaster.
