A satellite image taken Monday illustrates the full extent of damage caused by the March 22 mudslide in Snohomish County, Wash. Rescuers are still looking through the wreckage in search of victims. The death toll rose to 27 Tuesday, while the number of missing remained at 22.

Washington state Governor Jay Inslee urged President Barack Obama on Monday to make a “major disaster declaration” in Snohomish County, as financial losses mounted in the rescue operations. That would allow individuals and businesses to access federal relief programs, including disaster-related unemployment insurance and housing.

Contact us at letters@time.com.