Death toll in Florida building collapse rises to 78: Rescuers are now looking for bodies, not survivors

The number of dead in the collapse of part of a twelve-story building in the US state of Florida has increased today to 78, while 62 people are still missing.

Part of a building in Surfside, near Miami, collapsed 16 days ago, and rescuers are still searching for victims in the rubble.

Rescuers' efforts are now focused on finding bodies, not survivors.

They promised to continue the work until they have completely cleared the field.

Authorities announced on Wednesday that they were no longer looking for survivors, after concluding that there was "no chance of life" in the ruins.

After the first few hours of the collapse of the building on June 24, no one was found alive in the ruins.

The sister of the first lady of Paraguay is among the dead.

At the time of the demolition of part of the building, there were several citizens of Latin American countries in it.

Florida officials have promised financial aid to the families of the dead and to residents of the building who lost all their possessions.

Authorities have opened a thorough investigation into the demolition of part of the building.

According to a 2018 report, the building had "extensive structural damage" that required extensive repairs.