President Joe Biden met with families and emergency workers affected by the collapse of a building last week near Miami, Florida. The partial collapse of the 12-story Champlain Towers South condominium building killed at least 18 people. And 145 people are missing. Hundreds of emergency and rescue workers have been searching the debris for signs of life. No one has been rescued since the first hours after the collapse. Biden met privately on Thursday with friends and family members of those affected by the collapse. He spoke in very personal terms. Biden said he knew about loss. His first wife Neilia and baby daughter Naomi died in a car accident in 1972. In 2015, his adult son Beau died of brain cancer. “I just wish there was something I could do to ease the pain,” he said in a video posted on Instagram. The video was posted by Jacqueline Patoka, a woman who was close friends with a man and a woman and their daughter who are still missing. The people you may have lost they’re gonna be with you your whole life,” he told the families. “A part of your soul, a part of who you are.” Thursday morning the president spoke with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. Biden said that he believed the federal government has “the power to pick up 100 percent of the cost” of the search and cleanup. He urged local officials to look to the federal government for help. “There’s gonna be a lot of pain and anxiety and suffering and even the need for psychological help in the days and months that follow,” Biden said. “And so, we’re not going anywhere.” The president and first lady Jill Biden’s visit came as rescue efforts at the collapse area were halted Thursday. Officials said there was concern about damage to the remaining structure.