The recent wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County have now claimed 11 lives, with the damage continuing to unfold.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the fires, which began earlier this week, have devastated residential areas across Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Topanga.
Among the fatalities, five were reported from the Palisades Fire, while six deaths are attributed to the Eaton Fire. The identities of the victims remain largely undisclosed, although some have been revealed through other sources.
Over 10,000 buildings destroyed, 180,000 evacuated
The fires have caused unprecedented destruction, with at least 10,000 buildings reduced to ash. This includes upscale properties in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, home to multimillionaires and celebrities.
Around 180,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes as fire crews continue to battle the blazes.
Water shortages hamper firefighting efforts
The situation remains dire as Los Angeles fire crews struggle to contain the fires, with water shortages forcing them to improvise. California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for an investigation into how water scarcity has impaired firefighting operations.
Governor Newsom Urges Unity, Invites Trump to Visit Devastated Areas
California's Governor Gavin Newsom has invited President-elect Donald Trump to visit the affected areas, urging him not to politicize the disaster. Newsom emphasized the need for cooperation in the face of such widespread devastation, stressing the importance of putting partisan differences aside for recovery efforts.
Senator warns against returning to homes
California State Senator Sasha Renee Perez has urged residents of Altadena and Pasadena to stay away from their homes due to the ongoing fire risk and compromised water quality. Residents have been advised to drink bottled water due to high ash levels contaminating the water supply.
With looting becoming a serious concern in the aftermath of the fires, a curfew has been imposed in the Pacific Palisades and Eaton areas. The National Guard has been deployed to patrol these zones, ensuring safety and security for residents and first responders.
Estimated damage at $150bln
The fires are poised to become the most expensive in California's history, with damage estimates ranging from $135 billion to $150 billion. The destruction of luxury homes and infrastructure continues to raise concerns about the long-term impact on the region's economy.
As the fires wreak havoc, California Congresswoman Judy Chu has called for changes to the insurance system to ensure that homeowners can receive adequate coverage in future disasters. The current system has faced criticism for failing to meet the needs of affected residents.
