By unusuma.lk on (LK time)
Firefighters in Los Angeles are racing against time as wildfires continue to devastate communities, leaving 16 people dead and thousands of homes reduced to ashes. Strong winds and dry conditions threaten to worsen the situation this week, prompting urgent warnings from weather officials.
The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings until Wednesday, citing wind speeds reaching up to 113 kph in mountainous areas. Meteorologist Rich Thompson warned that Tuesday could be particularly dangerous due to strong Santa Ana winds and extremely dry vegetation, increasing fire risks.
In preparation, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone confirmed the arrival of 70 additional water trucks to support firefighting efforts. Fire retardant was dropped over hillsides on Sunday to slow the spread of flames.
The destructive wildfires, fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds and months of drought, have engulfed entire neighbourhoods. Sheriff Robert Luna reported that 16 people remain missing, with dozens more reports being investigated. Among the missing, 12 are linked to the Eaton Fire zone and four to the Palisades Fire.
The death toll climbed to 16 over the weekend, with five fatalities linked to the Palisades Fire and 11 to the Eaton Fire. Authorities expect the number to rise further as cadaver dogs continue searching through the debris.
Over 150,000 residents remain under evacuation orders, with nine shelters currently housing more than 700 displaced individuals. Most evacuation orders, particularly in the Palisades area, are expected to remain in place until weather conditions improve by Wednesday.
The fires, which ignited north of downtown Los Angeles, have scorched over 62 square miles (160 square kilometers) of land, an area larger than San Francisco. The Palisades Fire is only 11% contained, while the Eaton Fire has reached 27% containment.
Fire crews from across California, Mexico, and nine other states, including nearly 1,400 fire engines and 84 aircraft, continue battling the blazes. California’s National Guard has also been deployed to prevent looting, with reports of suspects posing as firefighters attempting to enter homes.
Governor Gavin Newsom described the wildfires as potentially the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, with damages estimated between $135 billion and $150 billion. He has also issued an executive order to fast-track property rebuilding and prevent increased property taxes for affected homeowners.
The situation remains dire, with weather forecasts predicting continued dangerous conditions. Authorities urge residents to stay away from scorched areas due to ongoing risks, including unstable structures and hazardous materials.