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Potential building collapse in Ellicott City suspends recovery effort

Posted at 2:03 PM, Aug 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-03 18:47:37-04

Ellicott City residents displaced by the flood are no longer able to visit their homes due to a potential building collapse on lower Main Street Wednesday afternoon.

Howard County Fire crews have been forced to suspend operations for safety precautions. Officials said building numbers 8101, 8107, 8109 and 8113 Main Street are at risk of collapse. 

ABC2 reporter Mallory Sofastaii said residents are upset about not being able to access their belongings. 

There's no word yet on when residents will be able to return.

"Buildings are unsafe and will have to come down," Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman said at a press conference Wednesday. 

Displaced residents were originally scheduled to have access to their homes between 12:30 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.