There are concerns a number of Australians are among nearly 100 people unaccounted for after an apartment block collapse in the US.
Miami resident Joseph Waks said he had not been able to contact an elderly Australian couple who were believed to have been inside the Surfside apartment building.
"I am originally from Australia — we have friends who live in that building from Australia and they are unable to be communicated with," Mr Waks said.
"We are hoping for the best. Only good news.
"They both became grandparents yet again a few hours before the tragedy.
"We still cannot believe it."
He said those who lived in the building were among a tight-knit community and he was shocked at the collapse.
"I woke up absolutely with the shocking news," he said.
"I cannot believe this … 2021. If this could have been prevented, which it sounds like it could have been, we are absolutely shocked."
The cause of the collapse — which affected about half of the 130 units in the complex — remains unclear.
At least one person has died and dozens are missing as rescuers work to sift through the rubble.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it was aware of reports that Australians may have been involved in the collapse.
"The Australian embassy in Washington is closely monitoring developments and making urgent enquiries to determine if any Australians were affected," a spokesperson said.
