Los Angeles: At least 13 people have lost their lives and as many people are missing, while more than 12,00 buildings have been damaged so far, as six simultaneous wildfires continue to spread across Los Angeles . The Palisades Fire spread over an additional 1,000 acres of land and destroyed more homes.
The officials have continued to drop water droplets and fire retardants in the region to control the spread of the fire. US President Joe Biden also spoke to concerned officials on steps taken for relief operations. During the meeting, he was briefed on federal resources being dispatched to bring the situation under control.
Top updates so far
- The number of casualties in the California wildlife fire has gone up to 13, as the blaze continue to spread across eastward.
- Officials said that the death toll may rise further as cadaver dogs search levelled neighbourhoods and assessments being done the devastation.
- The US’ National Weather Service has predicted worsening weather conditions. As per it, Santa Ana winds may pick up in in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
- Officials said that 11% of the Palisades Fire has been contained till now, while more than 22,000 acres have been burnt so far.
- Even as more than 1,53,000 residents have been asked to evacuate, another another 1,66,000 residents have been warned of potential evacuation in case of need.
- Authorities are working round the clock to control flames which is underway in Mandeville Canyon, home to Arnold Schwarzenegger and other celebrities.
- The wildfires that erupted this week are projected to be among the costliest natural disasters in the US’s history.
- AccuWeather’s preliminary estimation has put the damage and economic losses between $135 billion and $150 billion so far.
- The wildfires which are believed to have occurred due to hurricane-force Santa Ana winds and an extreme drought, remained uncontained largely till Saturday.
