New threat due to strong winds, death toll rises to 24.
The death toll in Los Angeles California has risen to 24 as more than 12,000 structures have been burned in the US wildfires so far. New threats have emerged due to the forecast of strong winds. This has created fears that the fire will spread further.
British media outlets BBC, AFP, CNN, Guardian, Reuters and several international media outlets reported this information.
According to the report, California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed the death toll in the wildfires. They said that the fire could be the most devastating natural disaster in US history. Eight of the dead were in the Palisades Fire Zone and 16 in the Eaton Fire Zone.
Local authorities said that former Australian-born child actor Rory Sykes was among the dead. He starred in the British TV show ‘Kiddie Capers’ in the 1990s.
British news agency Reuters reported that dry Santa Ana winds from the desert were blowing at near hurricane force earlier this week. The wind strength decreased yesterday, which gave firefighters some relief. However, this slightly favorable situation is not expected to last long.
The US National Weather Service said that many places have not had rain since last April. As a result, Santa Ana winds are expected to blow again from Sunday night to Wednesday at speeds of 80 to 112 kilometers per hour local time.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Maroney said at a press conference, “The entire Los Angeles County will be at risk of fire due to gusty winds with low humidity. The warning may be lifted on Thursday. Then people may be allowed to return to their areas.”
The report said that the fire, which started in the Palisades area of Los Angeles, has spread to 23,600 acres and is only 11 percent contained. The Eaton fire has spread to 14,000 acres and is only 15 percent contained.
A fire has broken out in California’s San Fernando Valley, destroying or damaging more than 12,000 structures. More than 100,000 people have been evacuated. The homes of many actors, including Anthony Hopkins, Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson and Billy Crystal, have also been destroyed.
Meanwhile the BBC reported that a fire in Los Angeles has not been brought under control for six days. The fire has changed direction and spread to new areas. The forecast of strong winds has created new fears. The fire has taken a new turn towards Britton Woods and the San Fernando Valley.
Meanwhile fires have not been brought under control in many areas of Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Lydia, Hearst and Archer. The Palisades fire has spread to another 1,000 acres.
The US National Weather Service has forecast wind speeds of up to 60 miles per hour in Los Angeles and Ventura counties from Sunday night through Wednesday morning local time. In addition, fires in Los Angeles have exceeded air pollution levels.
Local authorities have ordered schools and colleges to close due to unhealthy air. It is recommended to stay indoors and wear masks unless necessary. The US National Weather Service has issued a fire warning for Los Angeles and surrounding areas for the coming week.
Do Follow: greenbanglaonline24
