Death Toll from Los Angeles Wildfires Rises to 24

U.S. news networks reported late Sunday local time that the death toll from the wildfires around Los Angeles has risen to 24. California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that these wildfires could become the most devastating natural disaster in U.S. history. Meanwhile, meteorologists have warned that weather conditions will be dangerous for the spread of these wildfires with the return of strong winds in the area this week. According to the Associated Press, at least 16 people are also missing due to the wildfires, and officials have indicated that this number may increase. The National Weather Service has issued 'red flag' warnings for severe fire conditions that will continue until the end of Wednesday this week. These warnings include sustained winds of 80 kilometers per hour and gusts in mountainous areas reaching 113 kilometers per hour. Rick Thompson, a meteorologist, stated, 'Tuesday will be the most dangerous day.' The Los Angeles Fire Chief announced that 70 additional water trucks have arrived in the area to assist firefighting teams in combating flames that are spreading with the new winds. Anthony C. Maron added, 'We are prepared for the upcoming wind events.' City officials in Los Angeles reported Saturday night that five of the deceased were related to the Palisades fire, and 11 were related to the Eaton fire. Approximately 150,000 people in Los Angeles remain under mandatory evacuation orders, and over 700 people have been housed in 9 shelters. The expansion of the Los Angeles fire has sparked public anger over crisis management, and the consequences of the Los Angeles fire may lead to the postponement of the Oscars. Widespread fires in Los Angeles have prompted evacuation warnings for 167,000 people, and the fire has turned the homes of several Hollywood stars to ashes. This is the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history, leading President Biden to cancel his trip to Italy.