They will demolish the building due to the risk of collapse again before Elsa arrives

Search and rescue efforts for 121 missing people have been suspended.

“Our top priority is for the building to collapse as soon as possible, regardless of what time it happens,” the Miami-Dade County mayor told reporters on Sunday. Daniella Levine Cava. “We don’t know exactly when the demolition will take place.”

Once the building is demolished, rescue efforts will resume, the mayor said 11 days after the collapse.

At noon on Sunday, Tropical Storm Elsa was off the Jamaican coast with winds of 95 km / h. For Monday, the storm is expected to pass through Cuba and hit western Florida on Tuesday or Wednesday.

In the remains of the complex Champlain Tours South At Surfside, workers were drilling holes where small explosive charges will be placed to knock down the remains of the building in a small area. Residents of neighboring buildings will not need to be evacuated, but will have to stay indoors because of the dust, the mayor said.

Instead of the usual fireworks and flag parties, coastal communities in the region have planned more moderate events for July 4. Miami Beach has canceled its Independence Day celebrations.

Investigators have not determined what caused the 40-year-old complex to collapse on June 24. A 2018 engineering report revealed structural deficiencies which are now under investigation.

Meanwhile, all residents of another building, Crestview Towers in North Miami Beach, were asked to vacate the building on Friday immediately after engineers discovered serious electrical and concrete problems, authorities said.