USA Los Angeles fire region "not quite out of the woods yet"
No all-clear yet in Southern California: Although the wind speeds in the fire zones on Tuesday were lower than feared, the "Red Flag" warning for large areas remains in force for the time being. "Not quite out of the woods yet", the weather authority in Los Angeles announced on Platform X. Dangerous gusts could increase the fire risk until Wednesday evening. Only then can we expect the winds to die down and the air to become cooler with higher humidity, it said.
15.01.2025, 08:50
15.01.2025, 08:51
SDA
The large-scale deployment of almost 17,000 helpers in and around Los Angeles continues unabated one week after the outbreak of the devastating fires. The authorities reported further progress in fighting the fire. The Palisades Fire, which destroyed large parts of Pacific Palisades on the western edge of Los Angeles, is now 17 percent contained. The Eaton Fire near Pasadena and Altadena northeast of Los Angeles is 35 percent under control. The number of confirmed deaths has now risen to 25, with more people still missing.
Those affected still have to wait to be allowed to return to the completely burnt-out areas. According to the police, this is not possible for the time being due to the risk of fire, among other reasons. Meanwhile, emergency teams are continuing to search for possible victims in the fire zones.
Clean-up work will probably take months
The extent of the damage is also being investigated. Governor Gavin Newsom estimates that it could take six to nine months to clear the rubble from the devastated streets. According to previous figures, more than 12,000 buildings were destroyed or damaged.
The Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, promised a rapid reconstruction on Tuesday. She promised those affected that bureaucratic hurdles would be removed. Newsom issued an executive order announcing immediate steps to dispose of fire debris and toxic waste in the fire zones. The day before, the Democrat had promised that the state of California would provide grants of at least 2.5 billion US dollars.
Emergency aid for those affected
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden announced emergency aid of 770 dollars (around 750 euros) each for those affected. According to the US media, this is intended to provide rapid support for the purchase of baby food or medicines, for example. Representatives of the disaster control authority Fema are on site in Los Angeles. The agency is also helping with rent payments, home repairs and the cost of temporary accommodation.
Biden had already declared the affected region a disaster area last week. This means that communities and survivors can immediately apply for federal funds for reconstruction.
