Miami Condo Collapse: What has President Biden said in response?
As the federal, state, and local emergency work together to identify those trapped under the rubble, President Biden has announced more support for those impacted.
Early Thursday morning, a twelve-story condominium in Surfside, Florida, near Key West suddenly collapsed. So far, 102 people are accounted for, 159 are still missing, and four deaths have been reported, including Stacie Dawn Fang, 54.
This sort of event is unprecedented in the United States, and state and federal agencies are working around the clock to identify those trapped in the rubble. As residents of the former building find shelter in hospitals and hotels, President Biden has said the federal government is committed to supporting them until the disaster is over.
A statement released by the White House stated that in a call between the President and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Biden said that the federal government “stands ready to provide additional resources and assistance that state and local officials need.” He also expressed his condolences to the governor and the “Surfside community, sharing his grief for the families who lost loved ones in this devastating tragedy and for the families who are waiting in anguish as search and rescue efforts continue.”
FL Gov DeSantis on assistance from Biden administration with building collapse: "we really appreciate the support of the president"
— John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) June 25, 2021
During a press conference, the President also promised that his administration and "Congress will do everything possible to be of assistance now and after they decide what the state of play is.”
What actions has the President taken?
Today, 25 June made a public declaration that an emergency is occurring in the State of Florida and called for Federal assistance to be brought in to support local and state efforts.
Through his declaration, the President authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to “coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population.”
NEW: Pres. Biden approves Florida emergency declaration after deadly building collapse, authorizing DHS and FEMA "to coordinate all disaster relief efforts." https://t.co/PEh5XXbL6j pic.twitter.com/Vy8KYxuPZW
— ABC News (@ABC) June 25, 2021
In addition, the Miami Herald reported that the White House and FEMA have “established a short-term shelter with the Red Cross.” The two organizations are also working to ensure that all those impacted are provided a hotel room and mental health counseling as well as a grant “to help families with short-term expenses.”