The next 24 hours will be "very dangerous", warns the police in Los Angeles, referring to the storm gusts expected to hit the megacity's disaster areas. Evacuation orders still affect around 90,000 residents, but the number may increase if the four ongoing fires – two of which are considered large – regain strength.
The damage situation on Tuesday evening showed that over 10,000 homes have been destroyed. The confirmed death toll was 28. A dozen people have been reported missing, but the number of victims may increase.
(The destruction) is impossible to imagine until you actually see it, said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass at a press conference.
Plans for Rebuilding
The mayor confirmed that she has signed a decision to initiate rebuilding plans.
We don't want to burden people with unnecessary bureaucracy – my executive decision concerns this, said Bass:
We will do everything to get the people of Los Angeles back home.
The American rescue agency Fema announced simultaneously that federal economic support is available for those affected – and thereby attempted to stop political rumors about the American state not providing economic support. Fema has approximately 27 billion dollars – equivalent to around 300 billion kronor – which will be sufficient for the initial emergency measures, reports the British BBC.
Urged to Stay In
The residents of Los Angeles are urged to be cautious as the air can be hazardous to health.
The ash is dangerous, fine particles that can irritate or damage the respiratory system and other parts of the body where it settles, warns Anish Mahajan of the city's health department.
The people of Los Angeles are also advised to wear face masks and avoid being outdoors for extended periods.
