179k evacuated as Los Angeles wildfires rage
The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, the most destructive in its history, have burned more than 54 square miles (140 square km) of land, destroyed thousands of structures and killed at least five people, the United Press International reported.
More than 179,000 residents were under evacuation orders as of Thursday afternoon, and weather forecasters have extended a red flag warning until 6pm local time (PST) Friday in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, the most destructive in its history, have burned more than 54 square miles (140 square km) of land, destroyed thousands of structures and killed at least five people, the United Press International reported.
More than 179,000 residents were under evacuation orders as of Thursday afternoon, and weather forecasters have extended a red flag warning until 6pm local time (PST) Friday in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The National Weather Service predicts sustained Santa Ana winds of up 55miles/h (80km/h) and gusts of up to 70miles/h (112km/h) will continue fanning the flames overnight and into Friday, said CBS News.
The Palisades, Eaton, and Sunset fires have overwhelmed firefighters who are working desperately to contain them against fierce hurricane-force winds.
A state of emergency is still in effect for Los Angeles city and county with all area schools closed and unhealthy air affecting areas not directly hit by the fires.
United States President Joe Biden approved a federal disaster declaration for California on Wednesday and on Thursday said the federal government will pay for all initial disaster-response costs over the next six months, ABC News reported.
“We are with you. We are not going anywhere. To the firefighters and first responders, you are our heroes,” Biden said Thursday.
Biden said federal funding will pay for debris removal, temporary shelters, and paying first responders for their services.
He called the cleanup costs “gigantic” and the cost to replace housing “exponential”, according to ABC News.
Biden also said he is sending 400 federal firefighters, 30 federal firefighting aircraft and other assets to Los Angeles County to help battle the wildfires.
He cancelled an upcoming trip to Italy in the wake of the wildfires, the White House announced Thursday.
- Bernama
