Death toll from floods in Italy rises to 15

The death toll from last week's devastating floods in northern Italy has risen to 15, local media reported on May 23. 

The number rose after the body of a 68-year-old missing person was found by gendarmerie forces in Lugo, which is among the most flood-hit areas of Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, Anadolu reports, citing the state-run ANSA news agency.

The Ravenna Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into the disaster.

The region is still on red alert for extreme weather as its population attempts to recover from the worst floods in about a century.

Earlier Tuesday, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government passed a €2 billion ($2.2 billion) aid package to support businesses and families affected by the deadly floods.

Last week's floods in Emilia-Romagna caused extensive damage to the local economy and infrastructure.