The death toll in the wildfires which wreak havoc in California’s Los Angeles rose to 24 on Sunday. Meanwhile, many people were still missing.
Los Angeles: The death toll in the wildfires which wreak havoc in California’s Los Angeles rose to 24 on Sunday. Meanwhile, many people were still missing. Strong winds are expected to return which could make things worse in the fire-impacted areas. The next few days are likely to be the most dangerous as the National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for severe fire conditions through Wednesday, reported The Associated Press.
There were about seven fires in Los Angeles. According to reports, 16 people died in the Eaton fire, while eight lost their lives in the Palisades blaze in LA. However, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has not yet confirmed the figure. Among the departed, 10 are yet to be identified.
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About 1,50,000 people in Los Angeles County remained under evacuation orders, reported the news agency. Meanwhile, over 700 residents have reportedly taken shelter in nine shelters.
- As of Sunday, Cal Fire reported the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, and Hurst fires had consumed more than 160 square kilometers. Besides California, firefighters from nine other US states are involved in the rescue operations. Over 1,300 fire engines, 84 aircraft, and more than 14,000 personnel are part of the operations to doze the blazes. Firefighters also arrived from Mexico. Besides firefighters, hundreds of inmates from California’s prison system also helped with firefighting efforts.
The Kenneth Fire, which broke out near West Hills in the San Fernando Valley, was contained, while the Hurst Fire was 89 percent contained.
Group of teenagers/young adults over past 4 days driving through Los Angeles Wildfires helping neighbors who hadn't evacuate yet get out.
— Intelschizo (@Schizointel) January 12, 2025
Not sure the original source of anyone does know tag me or comment below. pic.twitter.com/2A50RSj91t
This guy filming the wildfires from his living room in Los Angeles, there is another person and a dog
— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) January 8, 2025
I hope they all made it to safety
pic.twitter.com/TKmzBCvbKJ
❗️ The death toll from the California wildfires has risen to 24, according to a report by ABC News citing the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
— AI Day Trading (@ai_daytrading) January 13, 2025
Previously, 16 fatalities were reported. pic.twitter.com/seykgT4F51
There are still active flames in the Palisades.
Nearly 70,000 customers were without power throughout California as of Sunday morning, more than half of them in Los Angeles County.
The California Department of Education issued a statement Wednesday saying 335 schools from Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, and San Diego counties were closed.
The US state has suffered damage and economic losses so far between USD 135 billion and USD 150 billion. California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Sunday to fast-track the reconstruction of destroyed property by suspending some environmental regulations.
“Don’t walk away because we want you to come back, rebuild, and rebuild with higher quality building standards, more modern standards. We want to make sure that the costs associated with that are not disproportionate, especially in a middle-class community.” like,” Newsom said as cited by The Associated Press.
Newsom on Friday ordered state officials to determine why a 440 million-litre reservoir was out of service and some hydrants had run dry.
As per the White House, till Sunday more than 24,000 people have registered for federal aid made available by President Joe Biden’s major disaster declaration.
