A devastating wildfire continues to ravage Southern California, leaving widespread destruction in its path. Officials have confirmed that five people have died as the Pacific Palisades and Hollywood Hills neighborhoods face some of the most severe damage in the region’s recent history.
According to a report by Samaa News on Thursday, fueled by strong winds, the fire has destroyed around 1,000 buildings in the upscale Pacific Palisades area. Over 70,000 residents have been evacuated as firefighters work to control the rapidly advancing flames, which threaten several iconic Los Angeles landmarks.
AccuWeather, a private forecasting company, estimates that the damage and economic impact of the wildfires may exceed $50 billion. Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist, cautioned that if the destruction continues, this fire could surpass previous records, potentially becoming the most catastrophic in California’s modern history.
Porter drew comparisons to the 2023 Maui wildfires, which caused damages between $13 billion and $16 billion. The ongoing crisis has compounded California’s challenges with its insurance market, especially after State Farm, the state’s largest insurer, announced it would halt issuing new home policies due to wildfire risks and climate change.
The fires have forced thousands to flee and led to a surge in medical emergencies. Hospitals in Los Angeles are overwhelmed with patients suffering from smoke inhalation. Dr. Puneet Gupta, assistant medical director at the Los Angeles County Fire Department, warned that inhaling toxic smoke can cause severe health issues, including heart attacks and aggravated asthma.
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