Search and rescue efforts at condo collapse site halted over safety concerns [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Search-and-rescue operations in the collapsed Champlain Towers South have been halted following concerns over the stability of the standing-still structures.
• President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are set to visit the community.
• Officials hoped that the Bidens’ visit would uplift the morale of the residents.

Authorities said that ongoing search-and-rescue operations at the collapsed Surfside condominium building were suspended on Thursday over safety concerns regarding the remaining structure’s stability.

The announcement was made by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava during a news conference. Rescue efforts were halted immediately at around 2 am.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Alan Cominsky said that crews have noticed some crack extensions over the course of the rescue ops. One main fissure includes around 6 to 12 inches in one of the structures’ large hanging columns “that could fall and cause damage to support columns” in the underground parking.

Cominsky also said that the crew observed movement along the debris pile and some in concrete floor slabs that could result in “additional failure of the building.”

He noted that authorities will coordinate with engineers and other professionals to come up with strategies that would continue to rescue efforts.

There were also fears that the remaining standing portion of the complex might collapse at the rescue site. During a meet-up with families Wednesday, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Raide Jadallah said authorities were worried over that portion’s durability.

“What we know is that the columns on the east side of the building are kind of, of concern, not compromised, but just right now of concern,” Jadallah said. “Hypothetically, worst-case scenario: If these columns are truly really bad, we are worried they could collapse right back into the parking garage.”

The suspension also came on the same day that President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with the families and loved ones of those who are left unaccounted for.

In an address by White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, she said that the president and first lady Jill Biden were set to personally express gratitude to first responders and search-and-rescue crews. The Bidens have also considered meeting with the bereaved families.

Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez said that he is hoping that Biden’s visit will boost the morale of the people within the vicinity.

“We’ve had several challenges from weather, sorrow, pain. And I think that the president coming will bring some unity here for our community, support, like our governor, our mayor, all of us together,” he said.

According to State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis, he hoped that Biden would provide mental health reinforcements to address potential cases of post-traumatic stress disorder among rescue workers.

“These guys are so blindly focused on the mission of saving lives, and unfortunately they see things they can’t unsee,” Patronis said.

As of Wednesday, there were at least 18 confirmed fatalities, with over 145 missing residents.

Source: AOL.com