One week after Champlain Towers South collapsed, the child was among two people found in the rubble. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava declared Friday that the death toll has now reached 20, with 128 still missing from the wreckage.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez confirmed the identity of the child. He stated that the family requested privacy.
Suarez stated, “She was a part of our fire family,” and added that the fire department is in mourning.
Task Force 2 has been helping in the search for survivors since the collapse. The Miami Fire Department is a part of Task Force 2. Officials said that the firefighter joined the search out of love for his daughter and other victims still missing in the wreckage.
Levine Cava stated that “it goes without saying that each night since Thursday has been enormously difficult, especially for the families who have been affected,” during Friday’s news conference. “Last night was extremely difficult. It was truly difficult and different for first responders. These men and women are suffering a terrible human cost every day. I ask you to keep them in your prayers and thoughts.
On Thursday, President Joe Biden visited the area to express his gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly since the collapse.
Biden stated, “What you’re doing is amazing, dealing with uncertainty.”
The remains of Emma Guara (4 years old) and Lucia (10 years old) were found in the wreckage by the search teams earlier this week. Their parents, Marcus and Anaely Guara also survived. The family lived in Apartment 802.
“Obviously, firefighters are emotional,” said Chief Alan Cominsky of Miami-Dade County Fire Department. It is hard work.
