Florida Condo Collapse: Search Halted Over Demolition and Tropical Storm Elsa's Nearing
The search and rescue operations in the Florida condo collapse were once again suspended, ahead of the demolition plans and the nearing of tropical storm "Elsa" in the state. The suspension was confirmed by Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava during an evening press conference on Saturday, according to a report from New York Post.
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Florida Condo Collapse: Authorities Prepare for the Demolition
Despite the announcement of the suspension, Levine Cava noted that the schedule for the demolition of the remaining parts of the Florida building that collapsed was not yet scheduled. However, Reuters mentioned officials saying that the demolition of the 12-story building in Florida could happen as soon as Sunday.
Levine Cava also confirmed that preparations for taking the building will have a great impact on the search and rescue which is why it was suspended.
"Preparation includes activities like drilling into columns in the safe structure. So it has been determined by our engineers and fire department that we need to put out temporary pause," Levine Cava said in the press conference.
Fire officials also underscored that the standing part of the building would be demolished in a "controlled manner." Officials highlighted that they will use explosive charges instead of wrecking balls or other methods.
Meanwhile, Miami-Dade Fire Chief Alan Cominsky stressed the importance of the demolition taking place as soon as possible, due to the nearing of tropical storm "Elsa" in the state of Florida.
Levine cava assured that they were moving "as quickly as possible", and they were hopeful that they can start the demolition before "Elsa" reach their state. Furthermore, the Miami-Dade mayor also noted that as of this time, there is no need to evacuate the nearby buildings in the area.
The announcement of the search's suspension on the Florida condo collapse happened as the death toll rose to 24, with 121 individuals still missing. Levine Cava noted that they will resume the search and rescue operations on the sections of the rubble that are safe to access once they were "cleared."
Florida Governor Declares State of Emergency Over Tropical Storm Elsa
While the authorities were working to demolish the remaining portion of the Florida condo collapse still standing, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency in 15 counties including the Miami-Dade County, according to a report from CBS News. It can be remembered that Miami-Dade County was already under a state of emergency after the tragic condo collapse happened.
National Hurricane Center noted that "Elsa" became the first hurricane this season, although it already downgraded to a tropical storm. "Elsa" was reported to hit the Cayman Islands and Cuba over the weekend, before it moves to the Florida Keys.
On Saturday, Governor DeSantis noted that Elsa's strength can be increased when the tropical storm traverses the Gulf of Mexico. DeSantis warned the people to come up with a "disaster preparation plan" that would include stocking for a disaster supply kit that will last for a week.
WATCH: Remainder of Florida Condo set for Demolition as Storm Approaches - From CBS Evening News