World
January 9, 2025 08:42
california, los angeles - Wildfires in California, particularly in Los Angeles, have caused massive destruction, resulting in an increased death toll and widespread evacuations.
Wildfires continue to wreak havoc in California, with the death toll rising to 5 in Los Angeles due to a forest fire spreading rapidly under the influence of strong winds. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for 100,000 people in the affected area, where tens of thousands of homes are without electricity and schools have been closed.
The Los Angeles Fire Chief, Anthony Marrone, expressed the challenges his team is facing in dealing with the scale and speed of the disaster caused by the raging flames. He emphasized the lack of sufficient firefighting personnel in Los Angeles County to address the situation effectively.
Similarly, Adam Vangerpen from the Los Angeles Fire Department recounted trying to control a four-story house, only for it to suddenly turn into a blaze due to the intense wind.
Satellite images released by Maxar unveiled the magnitude of the fire disaster, turning vast stretches of land into ashes along the famous Malibu coastline. The visuals showcase rows of charred residences, streets reduced to ashes, and flames appearing as red dots.
Local reports indicate that dozens of schools have shut down and tens of thousands of homes are without power due to the wildfires. Firefighters are on high alert to prevent the further spread of the fires, with 1,400 firefighting personnel engaged in the operation.
CBS correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti highlighted that firefighters have shifted their focus from saving structures to containment efforts. The scene also witnessed luxury cars, including BMWs and Mercedes, being crushed while attempts were made to clear abandoned vehicles from the roads.
The recent fires, uncontained for the past two days in various parts of Los Angeles, have severely impacted Hollywood, with homes of many long-time residents and celebrities reduced to ashes.
California Governor Gavin Newsom cautioned residents to remain vigilant and ready to evacuate as efforts to control the fires continue around the clock.
US President Joe Biden canceled his planned visit to Italy to address the wildfires and signed a federal disaster declaration to facilitate the state's response to the natural calamity.