Two Days After US Apartment Collapse... 159 Missing, No Survivors Rescued

by Paek Jongmin

Published 26 Jun.2021 07:36(KST)

Residual debris is collapsing at the apartment collapse site in Florida, USA. <br>[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Residual debris is collapsing at the apartment collapse site in Florida, USA.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The number of missing persons in the 12-story apartment collapse disaster in Florida, USA, has increased to 159. The death toll has been counted as four, but concerns are raised that the number of deaths will increase significantly due to difficulties in rescue operations.

According to CNN on the 25th (local time), Daniela Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Mayor of Florida, announced that the death toll had risen to four on the second day after the incident. After an overnight search operation, three bodies were recovered. However, as of the evening, no news of additional bodies recovered or survivors rescued has been reported.

The rescue authorities are focusing on searching for survivors based on sounds coming from the debris pile, but progress is slow. A fire department official said, "We hear sounds of people and knocking."

The rescue operation is being carried out under quite dangerous conditions due to the risk of debris falling and further collapse of the remaining building.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Compared to the increase in the death toll, the number of residents unaccounted for has surged significantly from 99 the previous day to 159. The exact number of those unaccounted for is not even accurately known.

Mayor Cava said that the rescue team is making every effort to find survivors and stated, "We still have hope of finding someone alive."

Meanwhile, the White House announced that President Joe Biden spoke with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on the day and said he is ready to provide additional support. President Biden declared a state of emergency in Florida and ordered full support.