Devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed 11 lives, destroyed over 10,000 homes, and displaced thousands since igniting earlier this week.
Authorities are battling to contain multiple blazes as strong winds fan the flames, compounding the destruction across iconic neighbourhoods, including the Hollywood Hills.
Describing the devastation, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said, “It looks like an atomic bomb dropped in these areas,” as firefighters continued their efforts to limit the fires’ spread.
Mounting casualties and economic loss
Out of the 11 fatalities, five deaths were linked to the Palisades Fire and six to the Eaton Fire, the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office reported.
Officials warned that the toll could rise as search teams assess the devastation.
Preliminary damage estimates suggest economic losses between $135 billion and $150 billion, according to private forecaster AccuWeather.
Schools remain shut, and over one lakh homes are without power as authorities grapple with the fallout.
Winds doubling fire
While the Kenneth Fire, which has scorched 960 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, was 35 per cent contained, the Eaton Fire remains out of control.
Firefighters made progress in the Hurst and Lidia fires, managing to contain 37 per cent and 75 per cent, respectively.
Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley warned of ongoing danger.
“High winds make it difficult to contain the wildfires. We urge the public to help us by evacuating promptly and avoiding affected areas,” she said.
Helicopters dropped water as wind gusts reached 160 kmph earlier in the week, temporarily easing before intensifying again overnight.
Red flag warnings remain in effect across Los Angeles and Southern California, with authorities bracing for worsening conditions.
Support and relief efforts
US President Joe Biden declared the wildfires a major disaster, pledging federal aid for recovery efforts.
“Spare no expense to do what they need to do and contain these fires,” Biden stated, promising full federal reimbursement for the next 180 days to cover debris removal, temporary shelters, and first responder salaries.
Relief efforts are gaining momentum, with humanitarian aid pouring in from across the globe. Renowned chef Jose Andres has set up a food truck near the Palisades Fire to provide meals for affected residents.
“Everybody needs support and love in these moments, wealthy or not, poor or not,” Andres remarked.
Additionally, actor Jamie Lee Curtis pledged $1 million to relief initiatives.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended assistance, stating, “To our American neighbours: Canada’s here to help,” as Canadian firefighters joined their US counterparts.
Criminal activities amid disaster
A man was detained on suspicion of arson in connection with the Kenneth Fire, although officials noted that conclusive evidence was lacking.
Meanwhile, 20 arrests for looting were reported, prompting the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to coordinate with the California National Guard to enforce curfews in evacuation zones.
The scale of destruction has prompted comparisons to other catastrophic disasters. “I don’t expect good news and we’re not looking forward to those numbers,” Luna admitted grimly
As recovery teams scour levelled neighbourhoods, the full extent of the damage is yet to be realised.
The wildfires have displaced thousands, including high-profile residents, with reports of homes belonging to Paris Hilton and Mel Gibson reduced to ashes.
Amidst the destruction, authorities remain resolute in their efforts to protect lives and property, though they caution that the road to recovery will be long.
