The death toll from the catastrophic wildfires sweeping Los Angeles has risen to 16, with 11 people reported dead from the Eaton Fire and 5 from the Palisades Fire, according to the coroner’s office.
As fires rage across the city, officials warn that the toll may rise further, with 13 people still missing and over 12,000 structures destroyed. The ongoing wildfires have caused widespread devastation, as evacuation orders continue for hundreds of thousands of residents across the region.
The largest and most destructive of the blazes, the Palisades Fire, grew by around 400 hectares on Saturday. California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has mobilized firefighters and aerial resources, but the winds, which fueled the flames, are expected to worsen, threatening even more areas. Santa Ana winds are forecast to pick up again, bringing gusts of up to 112 kph and exacerbating the already critical situation.
The blazes are now the most destructive in Los Angeles history. In total, five major wildfires are active in the region, with the Palisades and Eaton fires alone having scorched roughly 145 square kilometers of land. The fires have already caused an estimated $135 billion in damage, potentially making it the costliest wildfire in U.S. history, according to meteorologist Jonathan Porter.
As firefighters continue their battle against the blazes, investigations are underway to determine why vital water sources, including the Santa Ynez Reservoir, were dry when needed. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has called the lack of water at critical fire hydrants “deeply troubling,” with California Governor Gavin Newsom ordering a full review of the city’s utilities. President Joe Biden has also mobilized federal resources to aid in firefighting efforts and pledged funding to support recovery.
In a tragic twist, many residents have lost their homes, including notable figures such as Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, and Top Gun: Maverick actor Miles Teller. Concerns have been raised over the financial strain the fires will place on the insurance industry, as California’s insurance commissioner has temporarily halted policy cancellations in fire-affected areas.
As the fires continue to threaten the region, communities across Los Angeles are grappling with a staggering loss of life and property. Thousands are displaced, while emergency services, including search teams with cadaver dogs, work tirelessly to recover the victims. Amidst the devastation, there is hope that the indomitable spirit of Los Angeles residents will guide them toward recovery.
International solidarity has also been extended, with Kenya’s President William Ruto offering condolences to the families affected by the fires. He urged global action on climate change, citing the growing frequency of extreme weather events like this one.
The global community watches closely as Los Angeles fights to recover from this unprecedented disaster, with many fearing that this could be a grim preview of future climate change-induced catastrophes.
