The death toll from the wildfire in Los Angeles has risen to 10, with nearly 10,000 structures reduced to ashes.

The death toll from the wildfire in Los Angeles has risen to 10, with nearly 10,000 structures reduced to ashes.

The devastating wildfire that has spread across the eastern and western regions of Los Angeles, USA, remained uncontrolled as of yesterday. However, with the reduction in wind speed, firefighters have been able to somewhat slow the spread of the fire. Over the past two days, strong winds have caused the wildfire to spread rapidly. The areas between Santa Monica and Malibu in the western part of the city, particularly Palisades, and Eaton near Pasadena in the east, have been identified as the most destructive. The fire has already burned approximately 31,000 acres of land.

Death Toll Reaches 10

According to the Los Angeles County medical examiner, the death toll from the wildfire has risen to 10. This information was reported by Reuters on Thursday. Thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed in the fire. Approximately 180,000 people have been instructed to evacuate to safer locations, with an additional 200,000 placed on alert. Sheriff Robert Luna has warned that the death toll may rise further. In Eaton alone, 4,000–5,000 structures have been destroyed, while around 5,300 structures have been destroyed in Palisades.

10,000 Homes Destroyed

In the Kenneth and Eaton areas, nearly 10,000 homes have been completely destroyed. To control the fire, firefighters have started dropping water over the burning hills using aircraft. According to a BBC report, the wildfire has spread to areas including Kenneth, Hearst, Lydia, Eaton, and Palisades.

$50 Billion in Damages

The wildfire has caused an estimated $50 billion (5,000 crore) in damages. At least 311,000 homes and businesses have lost power. The sound of sirens fills the air, the sky is covered with smoke, and helicopters circle overhead, while people flee in panic.

Historic Sites at Risk

The Eaton wildfire has reached close to the Mount Wilson Observatory, a historic site where Edwin Hubble discovered the existence of galaxies beyond the Milky Way a century ago and theorized that the universe is expanding. Additionally, many celebrity homes in Pacific Palisades have been destroyed.

International Support

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has sent firefighting aircraft to assist in controlling the wildfire and has kept 250 firefighters on standby.

Political Controversy

The wildfire has sparked political controversy, with former U.S. President Donald Trump blaming President Joe Biden and California Governor Gavin Newsom for their alleged failure to manage the crisis. Trump has accused Newsom of water mismanagement and demanded his resignation. He stated, "This is a symbol of Biden-Newsom administration's gross incompetence."