Death toll from Spain flash floods rises to 219

The death toll from the devastating storms and flooding that struck eastern and southern Spain more than a week ago has risen to 219 as rescue workers continue their search for victims, according to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska.

Speaking to radio broadcaster Cadena Ser on Wednesday evening, Grande-Marlaska said that two more bodies had been found in the Castilla-La Mancha region.

Rescue work continued on Thursday, with many settlements still covered in mud, underground garages flooded and buildings made inaccessible due to cars and debris blocking roads.

Cadena Ser reported that 93 people were still listed as missing according to Valencia authorities. Some of those reported missing could be among the 54 bodies recovered that have not yet been identified.

Fears of infectious diseases are rising in the worst-hit Valencia region. Collection of refuse has been interrupted, and Health Minister Mónica García told the broadcaster that the risk was real, although there was as yet no infection source.

The death toll in Valencia from the storm that hit the region on October 29 has risen to 211, while seven people were killed in neighbouring Castilla-La Mancha. Another death was recorded in Andalusia in the south of the country.