California fires are the most severe and costly in US history
Arab Weather - The US state of California has experienced eight days of hell, as devastating fires continue to sweep the state, in a wave described as the most dangerous and costly in the history of the United States of America.
24 dead, 300,000 displaced in worst disaster in US history
According to the latest figures released Tuesday morning, the fires have killed 24 people, destroyed about 12,000 buildings, and are still burning. The fires have forced about 300,000 people from their homes, and the estimated financial costs and losses have now reached $150 billion in the Los Angeles area alone, making it the highest figure in the history of natural disasters in the United States.
40,000 acres of forest are missing
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says the fire has burned more than 40,000 acres of forest in the Gayvey-Eaton, Palisades, Kenneth and Hurst counties. Despite ongoing efforts, the fires are still consuming more land.
Inclusion rates: gradual progress despite challenges
Local authorities reported relative progress in containing the fires:
14% in Pacific Palisades
33% in Pasadena
95% in Sylmar
100% in Ventura
Santa Ana winds blow again, threatening to fan the flames
Arab Weather experts expect the formation of a low-pressure system off the southern coast of California, coinciding with the intensification of the high pressure system located west of the American continent. This weather system will lead, God willing, to the return of the activity of the north-eastern winds, known as the Santa Ana winds, during the coming hours and will continue until Wednesday, which threatens to ignite the fires again.
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Financial compensation for those affected
In a move to support those affected, the US president announced a one-time payment of $770 to each person affected by the fires. So far, nearly 6,000 people have registered for support, and $5.1 million has been disbursed.
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