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Death Toll Climbs to 27 in Washington Mudslide

The Snohomish County medical examiner's office said 19 victims have been positively identified.
Image:
A flag flies at half-staff on a log Sunday, March 30, 2014, with the slope of the massive mudslide that struck Saturday, March 22, 2014 in the background. The search for victims of the deadly slide continued Sunday, with crews searching both with heavy machinery and by hand.Ted S. Warren / AP

The official death toll in the Washington mudslide ticked up to 27 on Tuesday even as the state's governor requested federal money for dozens more funerals.

The Snohomish County medical examiner's office said 19 victims have been positively identified.

The most recent numbers are up from the 24 dead and 18 identified on Monday.

The latest name to the list is Brandy L. Ward, 58, of Arlington. Like the rest she was killed by blunt force injuries in the March 22 slide.

A list of missing remained at 22 people early Tuesday.

Gov. Jay Inslee said Monday in a letter asking the federal government for a major disaster declaration that estimated financial losses from the slide have reached $10 million. He also asked for federal help with funeral expenses for up to 48 people, and mental health care programs for survivors, volunteers, community members and first responders.

— Patrick Garrity

The Associated Press contributed to this report.