Tragic Rise in Death Toll from Los Angeles Wildfires Amid Ongoing Evacuations
US authorities reported on Friday that the death toll from uncontrolled wildfires destroying entire neighborhoods in Los Angeles, California, has risen to eleven. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Department announced on its website that five of the deaths are attributed to the Palisades fire in southern California, and six from the Eaton fire. Authorities have warned that the actual number of victims will not be known until investigators can access the affected neighborhoods.
The California Fire Department reported that the massive Palisades fire has already burned 8,200 hectares and is only 8 percent contained. In addition, two secondary fires, the Eaton fire and the Kenneth fire, which was deliberately set, have consumed 5,647 hectares and 404 hectares respectively. The current containment levels for these fires stand at 3 percent and 35 percent, as noted by Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley during a press conference on Friday.
In an effort to curb thefts and looting in the affected areas, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced that a twelve-hour curfew will be reinstated this evening at 6:00 PM local time.
As of Friday, over 153,000 residents remain under mandatory evacuation orders, with an additional 166,000 under warnings. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow the instructions provided by local authorities during this emergency.
The devastation caused by these wildfires highlights the pressing issues of fire management and disaster preparedness in California, a state frequently afflicted by wildfires during the dry season. The current situation necessitates a coordinated response from state and federal agencies to support the affected communities and prevent further loss of life.
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