California is facing a new challenge as fierce winds threaten to worsen the ongoing wildfires.
According to BBC, California weather forecasters have warned about high winds that could fuel large fires around Los Angeles, which have so far claimed 24 lives.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said earlier on Sunday, January 12, 2025, “LA County had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak.”
As per the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, 24 deaths have occurred, including eight from the Palisades fire on the western side of the town, while 16 died in the Eaton Fire in the foothills east of Los Angeles.
Moreover, the Los Angeles County Sheriff, Robert Luna, announced that 16 people are still missing, 12 from the Eaton Fire zone and four from the Palisades Fire.
In addition to increasing death tolls and continued blazes, California faces the new challenge of strong winds, which officials believe will continue until Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Officials announced that notoriously dry Santa Ana winds would reach speeds of up to 60 mph (96 km/h), adding that the fire threats remain “very high.”
Furthermore, the largest fire broke out in the Palisades, which has so far burned more than 23,000 acres and is 11% contained, while the second largest is the Eaton fire, burning over 14,000 acres.
The Eaton fire is 27% contained, and the Hurst fire, which has grown to 799 acres, is almost fully contained.
