SURFSIDE, FLA. (WSVN) - The demolition of the remainder of the Champlain Towers South building was emotional to watch for many on Sunday night.
“This building has been here for so many years,” said Stephanie Rodriguez.
It’s hard to believe a place so many people called home is gone.
“It looks like a bad dream to me,” said Linda Welsh, who was visiting the Surfside Wall of Hope and Memorial. “It didn’t look real.”
The memories people created inside the Champlain Tower South building disappeared in the dust.
“It’s painful to have your home destroyed,” Welsh said.
Crews had to demolish the part of the building that hadn’t fallen on its own in order for rescuers to safely keep looking for survivors.
“The demolition was in no way a decision I made lightly,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
Now from Harding Avenue, people visiting the Surfside Wall of Hope and Memorial can watch rescue crews search the debris.
“It’s very sad. I don’t even know. Sad is not even the word to describe this tragedy itself,” said a resident.
Twelve days later, people come to the Wall of Hope to leave their own cards of support.
“I care. That’s why I’m here,” Welsh said.
They see the faces of people who are missing or who died in this tragedy.
“It’s just paralyzing,” said a resident.
In the distance, people see the painful reminder that there are people trapped underneath the rubble, but it’s these messages of strength, faith, hope and love that may bring them comfort.
“I could see the love of the community,” Welsh said.
On Monday, Levine Cava said four more bodies were recovered, raising the death toll to 28.
FEMA and other agencies are helping the families affected by the tragedy by providing them financial support as well as grief counseling and other services.
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