Officials in Florida said at a news conference a short time ago that the death toll in the Surfside, Florida condo building collapse rose to 4 overnight. None of the victims have yet been publicly identified.
120 individuals have been accounted for, but the number of missing or unaccounted for has risen to 159 people.
Included in the missing people are a couple from Lakewood, who were staying in the building on a visit to Florida. There is no word yet on their whereabouts or condition.
Heavy machinery has been brought on site to help rescue teams make their way through the wreckage of the building as they desperately search for any possible survivors.
Officials are still calling their efforts a rescue operation, saying that it is still possible that there are survivors buried and waiting to be rescued.
A total of 130 firefighters have been involved in the rescue efforts, which have been hampered by bad weather and the instability of the rubble pile and what is left of the collapsed building, which required rescue teams to place temporary support structures in place before they could begin the search for victims.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has now declared an emergency over the incident and is sending manpower and other assistance to the site.
A fund has been set up to help the families of this tragedy’s victims. Donations can be made here.
I read somewhere that some people were complaining that they don’t have at the site enough professionals removing debris and trying to find anyone still alive.
First of all, I wonder if any of those complainers were at the site themselves to see first hand what is going on.
This article says very clearly, they are dealing with bad weather, they have 130 firefighters, that is besides all the EMS and many volunteers.
They have many professionals just removing the rubble.
The complainers need to read a book called “The Other Side of the Story”. The book is all about giving people the benefit of the doubt.
Just to provide another side to that story… Very possibly those that you saw “complaining” are those that have loved ones that have not been located. They may not be talking from logic,but rather from emotional anguish. As you so eloquently said we have to give the benefit of the doubt.
I did not realize that my comment was going to be hurtful.
I apologize for that.
I had no intention to hurt anyone’s feelings.
I am sorry for that.
May God protect all of us and watch over all of us all the time.
While I agree with you ppl need to stop complaining and judging. I understand where in this situation if someone were waiting for news on a family member or friend and they were anxious it would seem it’s all taking too long…..just trying to apply the book you suggested to you… judging those who are judging.
@avraham are you sure you read the book??? While I agree with you ppl need to stop complaining and judging. I understand where in this situation if someone were waiting for news on a family member or friend and they were anxious it would seem it’s all taking too long…..just trying to apply the book you suggested to you… judging those who are judging.
I apologize if I hurt someone’s feelings.
To comment #1
I’m sorry we are not “complainers” we are pointing out the sad fact that it took them about 24 hours to bring in the “big equipment”
If C’V your child was in the rubble, would you also say hold off a bit, let’s make sure we don’t step on any toes, we give the local fire fighters their glory…,, or would you turn over the world to try and get him the proper help….
The place should have had dump trucks, tractors, cranes lined up, removing piece by piece in order to try to get to the people.
With the proper equipment and man power we could have had half or more of the rubble removed already .
It’s is truly sad to see the coldness of some people in the human race
If you read the above article, and follow the news, you will realize that only now, day #2 they are sending heavy machinery and FEMA will be sending down more manpower. When time is of essence to find survivors, the question is why they didn’t bring down the heavy machinery right away. It’s impossible for even 30 firefighters to get through all that rubble with just a drill and a saw. They aren’t letting people help because of ‘fear of the collapse of the building’ when there are so many other areas away from the building to look. They keep on hearing banging but are having a hard time getting to the source of it. Think about third world countries after earthquakes and them bringing in help from other countries. Where are they now?
@Achdus and MI, with all due respect, it looks like you may have missed one small news item: most of the first day was spent shoring up the building to make it safer for the search and rescue team to look for survivors.
Avraham: you have very wise comments.
The use of heavy equipment: Due to the way the building “pancaked”; the use of immediate heavy equipment could have killed any survivors. Bless the child who was rescued by compassionate people. His voice would not have been heard if heavy equipment was in use. The searchers are listening for any tapping sounds and or voices.
Yes, this is desperate.
Prayers.