The most populous state in the US, California, is currently experiencing severe wildfires, particularly in the Los Angeles area. The most significant of these, the Palisades Fire, has burned over 38,000 acres and led to the evacuation of roughly 180,000 residents. At least 11 deaths have been reported by local media, and over 12,300 structures have been destroyed.
The fires have also caused significant economic losses, with insured damages predicted to surpass $20 billion. This situation is expected to exacerbate California's existing insurance crisis, leaving many homeowners without adequate support for reconstruction.
In response to the disaster, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced an investigation into issues such as dry fire hydrants that have hindered firefighting efforts. President Biden has pledged federal support for the next six months, though there is uncertainty about continued assistance from the incoming administration.
The situation remains critical, with high winds expected to further challenge containment. Authorities have imposed curfews to prevent looting, and multiple events and landmarks in the Los Angeles area have been closed due to the fires and dense smoke.
Take a look at the Sputnik Africa gallery to see the magnitude of the tragedy