Officials said that search and rescue efforts at Surfside's building collapse have been temporarily stopped due to fears that other condo buildings might fall. This will prolong a long wait for families who still hope that their loved ones are found.At a press conference, Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade mayor, stated that "We're doing all we can to ensure the safety of our first responseers is paramount" and that she would continue her search and rescue operation when it was safe. "The only reason we are taking a pause is because of concerns about the standing structure."Fire Chief Alan Cominsky stated that officials suspended operations around 2 a.m. because devices used to monitor concrete cracks indicated "some expansion". Structural engineers found 6 to 12 inches of movement in a column hanging off the building. This could cause further damage to underground garage columns.The bodies of 18 victims, including two children between 4 and 10, have been found so far. Officials stated Wednesday night that 145 people remain missing.Alfredo Ramirez is the director of Miami-Dade Police Department. He said that they have also found human remains. The families of the missing have provided DNA samples to assist authorities in identifying bodies and remains that were pulled from the rubble.Cominsky stated that he couldn't give a timeline for when the search-and-rescue operation would resume, but that he was optimistic.He stated that "our primary focus is to rescue our victims and protect our fire personnel that can save lives." "Our primary goal will be to get back out there, continue our search-and-rescue efforts."
