At least 10 people have lost their lives as a result of wildfires in the Los Angeles area, California, the Associated Press reports, BTA reports.
More than 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as firefighters continue to battle several large fires that have destroyed more than 10,000 structures, including homes, public buildings and businesses.
Large fires spread chaos and destruction
The areas around "Palisades", "Kenneth" and "Eaton", where the fire covers an area of about 117 square kilometers, are the hardest hit. Neighborhoods in Pasadena and Malibu were devastated, with burned palm trees and rubble replacing former homes and buildings.
Municipal authorities said evacuation centers had been converted into schools, and strong winds were hampering firefighters' efforts.
Mass damage and economic losses
According to the company "AccuWeather", financial losses from the disaster have already amounted to between $135 billion and $150 billion. Despite the success of some of the fires with the help of firefighting aircraft, the fire continues to threaten thousands of lives and homes.
Signs of climate change
Experts have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of the fires to climate change, citing longer dry seasons, higher temperatures and reduced rainfall.
The city of Santa Monica has declared a curfew due to looting, while the National Guard supports local efforts. Closed schools and severe weather conditions continue to worsen the crisis in Southern California.