The demolition of the standing portion of the apartment block that collapsed near Miami has been brought forward due to an approaching tropical storm.
According to officials, the upright section of Champlain Towers South will be destroyed within days to allow rescuers to search the site safely.
Meanwhile, the death toll has risen to 24, with 124 people missing after the collapse of the 12-storey building on 24 June and Officials are investigating other tower blocks for structural faults.
On Saturday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the forthcoming demolition would protect the search-and-rescue teams, adding that these gusts would create a real severe hazard.”
Storm Elsa, a 120km/h hurricane, could potentially hit Florida early next week.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Cava Levine signed a demolition order on Friday. She initially said she expected the demolition would not happen until late July.
Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett said the fear was that the storm would knock the rest of the building down and drop debris on to the zone where survivors were still being sought.
Ms Cava Levine said the families of those still missing had been told of the decision and “they understand”. No-one has been found alive since the first hours after the collapse.
Demolition experts have been devising a plan on Saturday, and the destruction will be controlled, with the use of explosive charges.
There are no details so far about compensating the owners.
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