Authorities in Surfside, Fla., last night called off the search for survivors of the collapsed condominium after two weeks — meaning crews will now focus their efforts on recovering victims’ remains.
The death toll stands at 54, and more than 80 people are still believed missing.
Last night’s announcement was met with a moment of silence by those in attendance, before first responders, clergy and some family members came together for an impromptu ceremony. People like Martin Langesveld, who lost his sister and brother-in-law in the collapse, thanked rescue crews for their work.
“The first responders and everyone who stood behind us put their blood and their heart and their souls behind this, and we were together as a community,” Langesveld said. “I want to truly say thank you. We didn’t get the outcome we wanted, but we did become a family.”
As NPR’s Brian Mann reports from Miami Beach, the announcement was emotional, but not necessarily a surprise.
Why now? Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said that teams had done everything possible to find survivors, but “at this point, we have truly exhausted every option available to us in the search and rescue mission.”
How come? While many family members were still hoping for a miracle, officials had been informed for days that hopes were fading. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Ray Jadallah explained that there were no voids in the rubble in which people might have survived, and no signs of life since the first hours after the collapse.
What’s next? Crews are still working around the clock to find victims and return their remains to their loved ones. Crime scene investigators are working with local religious leaders to confirm their identities.
