
An image grab showing ranging fires in Southern California, Los Angeles. Photo/ Agencies
By Agencies and Newsflash Reporter
The ongoing wildfires in the city of Los Angeles, California, United States, have killed at least 24 people and caused a loss of up to $150 billion (KSh20 trillion), said government officials on Monday.
This is as firefighters raced to put out the blazes before the return of strong winds that could fuel the flames again.
The blazes burned for a sixth straight day on Sunday, reducing whole neighbourhoods to smouldering ruins, levelling homes and leaving an apocalyptic landscape.
Officials said at least 16 people remain missing.
More than 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate, while 12,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed.
“LA County had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said earlier on Sunday.
According to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, the 24 deaths included eight from the fires in the Palisades on the western side of the town. The remaining 16 died in the Eaton Fire in the foothills east of Los Angeles, the office said.
Robert Luna, the Los Angeles County sheriff, said 12 people were missing within the Eaton Fire zone and four from the Palisades Fire. He said that there are no children among those reported missing.
On Sunday, Kenyan consulate in Los Angeles said that at least two Kenyan families have been evacuated.
Consul General Ezra Chiloba urged Kenyans in the region to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation instructions to ensure their safety.
“Monitor updates from local authorities, follow evacuation instructions promptly, and prioritize your safety,” said Chiloba in a statement.
He expressed gratitude to members of the Kenyan diaspora who have offered to help those in need.
“We take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt appreciation to members of our community who have opened their homes to accommodate evacuees. Your generosity and solidarity exemplify the strength of our diaspora,” he said.
President William Ruto has sent his condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones in the tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected. We stand in solidarity with you during this challenging time,” he said in a statement.