Turning to the development in the search for survivors and those missing in that deadly condo complex collapse in Surfside, Florida. As rescuers continue to fight tooth and nail to search for signs of life in the golden 72 hours after that disaster happened, the death toll has now climbed to 4. And despite rescue efforts, many are still agitated as some 160 people remain missing tonight.
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The deadly condominium building collapse might not seem that serious to some living far away, but the situation there speaks volumes.
News that those unaccounted for have yet to be found has their relatives agitated, praying and hoping that their loved ones would miraculously come out of the rubble alive. Some even canvassed more information to see if they could meet their loved ones again.
Yuby Cartes, looking for survivors:
“My nephew and all the family, they were in 10-10 (room number). The last name is Bettengill, B-e-t-t-e-n-g-i-l-l. And if you find please call me if you know anything.
Scores of rescuers used big machines, small buckets, drones, microphones to search for any signs of life, with some of them ended up prying up the rubble with their own hands.
The mountain of debris that had been the 12-storey Champlain Towers South has made the area an unkempt place, leaving rescuers feverishly searching for those missing and hopefully, survivors.
Cost aside, the damage is staggering.
The city’s Mayor regretted to tell the public about the rise in the numbers of deaths and those unaccounted for.
Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Mayor:
Unfortunately, this has been a tragic night. We do have a 120 people now accounted for, which is very very good news. But our unaccounted-for number has gone up to 159. In addition, we can tragically report the death count is now 4. I want to be very clear about the numbers. They are very fluid.
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Buffeted by gusty winds and pelted by intermittent rain, two heavy cranes were used to remove debris.
Officials say the exact number of residents or visitors who were still in the building when the collapse happened was not immediately known, but they reassured people there that they will try their best to locate those unaccounted for.
Wreaths and flowers decorated a fence near the Champlain tower as people awaited new development in the search. People were seen clasping and hugging.
Relatives issued a statement expressing their thankfulness to rescuers and the outpouring of sympathy, compassion and support.
Some other countries, including Israel, have lent a helping hand in the city’s time of need, as the condo complex had been a microcosm of the multicultural city: The victims of the building collapse came from all over the world.
As the search enters its third day, with rescuers continuing to leave no stone unturned in their search for those unaccounted for and survivors in the golden 72 hours, praying, optimism and hopefulness are the only solace for the relatives of those missing or dead.
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