Photo released on July 2, 2021 shows first responders rescuing survivors from a partially collapsed residential building in Miami-Dade County, Florida, the United States. (Photo credit: Miami-Dade Fire Rescue)

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Tropical Storm Elsa's expected arrival in South Florida has made the demolition of the still-standing part of the building necessary.

WASHINGTON, July 3  -- The remainder of the condominium in Surfside, Florida, that partially collapsed last week will be demolished as soon as Sunday, a local fire official said Saturday as the death toll from the disaster rose to 24.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Assistant Fire Chief Raide Jadallah told affected families during a morning news conference that the remaining part of the Champlain Towers South would be brought down "as soon as possible. First thing tomorrow."

He added that the plan is contingent upon further discussions, as a follow-up meeting will be held in the afternoon to finalize details of the demolition.

Also during the briefing, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said two more victims were found in the rubble, bringing the death toll to 24 while there are 124 people who remain unaccounted for.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Tropical Storm Elsa's expected arrival in South Florida has made the demolition of the still-standing part of the building necessary.

"If the building is taken down, this will protect our search and rescue teams because we don't know when it could fall over, and of course, with these gusts, potentially, that would create a really severe hazard," he said.