Local authorities announced on Sunday that the death toll from the collapse of a residential building in Florida last month has risen to 90 people, with 31 others still listed as missing. The 12-story building, known as "Champlain Towers South," partially collapsed on June 24 while dozens of people were sleeping inside. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava stated in a daily press briefing that "the confirmed death toll is now 90, and 71 victims have been identified," adding that 31 individuals "may potentially be missing."
The official noted that over six thousand tons of debris have been removed from the site. Miami-Dade Fire Chief Alan Cominsky stated that search and debris removal operations are ongoing around the clock, and emergency responders are close to reaching vehicles in the underground garage. Cominsky declined to specify a potential end date for the search efforts, adding, "It’s a systematic process... They are digging by hand, which is a slow operation."
Israeli rescue teams participating in the operation in Surfside, which has a large Jewish community, are expected to return to their country on Sunday, according to Levine Cava, who praised their efforts. Investigations are still ongoing to determine the cause of the collapse. A report dated October 2018 published by city officials raised concerns about "major structural damage" in the complex, starting from the concrete slabs beneath the pool to the columns and beams in the parking garage. However, Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett said on Sunday that initial test results indicated that "the integrity of the concrete is very good, at the levels it should be or exceeding them."
