Unprecedented wildfires are raging in Los Angeles (USA). At least five people have fallen victim to the natural disaster. Over 180,000 individuals have been ordered to evacuate. Many people fled their homes in panic.
More than three hundred thousand buildings are without electricity. Amid this, reports have emerged of the arrest of twenty individuals attempting to loot abandoned houses.
The fires began on Tuesday, January 7th. Since then, the flames have destroyed thousands of structures. More than seven thousand firefighters are engaged in battling the blaze in California. Their efforts have been hindered by strong winds. However, those winds have now somewhat calmed, raising hopes that firefighters will be able to make more progress in extinguishing the hotspots.
Kristen Crowley, Los Angeles Fire Department: "There is good news. The winds have died down a bit, enough to allow our fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to provide critically important aerial support in fighting this fire."
Another challenge faced by firefighters is a shortage of water. The load on the water supply system has increased fourfold, resulting in decreased water pressure and the drying up of some fire hydrants.
The disaster has also impacted the elite neighborhood of Pacific Palisades and the Hollywood Hills, the heart of the American film industry and show business. Many celebrities, including Anthony Hopkins, Adam Brody, Paris Hilton, and others, have lost their mansions.
President-elect Donald Trump sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and his administration for their handling of the crisis.
Donald Trump, President-elect of the USA: "The biggest houses, some of the most valuable homes in the world, have been simply destroyed. I don't even know what you're talking about regarding the tax base. If these people leave, you will lose half of California's tax revenue. This is a real tragedy, and it's the governor's fault and, you could say, the administration's fault."
The fires have enveloped Los Angeles in a thick cloud of smoke. U.S. President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in California.
A number of climate scientists in their research assert that global warming is leading to more frequent and prolonged heat waves, contributing to increased seasonal dryness in forests, which heightens the risk and intensity of wildfires.