Los Angeles wildfires: Death toll rises to 24, displace 100,000

KATHMANDU: A series of catastrophic wildfires are wreaking havoc across Los Angeles, California, with the death toll now standing at 24 and more than 100,000 residents evacuated.

As of Jan 13, the Palisades and Eaton Fires have scorched over 62 square miles, threatening neighborhoods, infrastructure, and local wildlife.

Key Developments:

Fire Spread and Containment Efforts: The Palisades Fire, which began on January 10, has burned more than 23,700 acres and is only 11% contained, while the Eaton Fire has destroyed approximately 14,100 acres and is 27% contained.

Both fires are being fed by extremely dry conditions and unpredictable winds, with gusts reaching up to 70 mph.

Firefighters are working relentlessly, but authorities have warned that the coming days could see the fires spreading rapidly if winds intensify further.

Evacuations and Casualties: Over 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate from their homes, particularly from the San Fernando Valley, which is under direct threat.

The death toll has tragically climbed to 24, and emergency teams are still searching for 16 missing individuals. The Eaton Fire has been named the fifth-deadliest wildfire in California’s history, and officials are bracing for more fatalities as the fire continues to spread across the region.

Health and Safety Alerts: Residents are being advised not to drink tap water due to concerns about contamination from parasites and hazardous substances from the fires. Public health authorities have issued warnings about the risk of waterborne diseases.

In addition, air quality is extremely poor, with hazardous smoke and particulate matter blanketing the city, affecting both residents and first responders.

Military and Emergency Response: In response to the escalating situation, Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed 2,500 California National Guard members to assist in firefighting efforts.

This includes an additional 1,000 soldiers on the ground to support the 15,000 firefighters currently working on containment. The National Guard is also helping with evacuations and providing logistical support to local agencies.

Private Firefighting Services and Public Backlash: Amid the chaos, several high-profile residents, including celebrities and wealthy business leaders, have hired private firefighting services to protect their properties.

The rates for these services have been reported at $2,000 per hour, leading to public outcry as many residents of lower-income areas have received less support. Critics argue that this is a symptom of growing inequality during emergencies.

Political Reactions and Financial Impact: California Senator Adam Schiff has called for an independent commission to investigate the state’s response to the wildfires, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts between local, state, and federal agencies.

The financial impact is also staggering, with early estimates predicting that the total damages could range from $135 billion to $150 billion, making this one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history.

Looking Ahead: Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as new evacuation orders could be issued. With the fire season expected to continue, more firefighting resources may be needed.

As military support increases and additional resources are mobilized, Los Angeles braces for the possibility of more wildfires as the climate crisis continues to exacerbate the conditions that allow these fires to spread.