President Joe Biden has called off a planned trip to Italy due to the ongoing fires in Los Angeles, the White House announced on Wednesday.
"After returning this evening from Los Angeles, where earlier today he had met with police, fire and emergency personnel fighting the historic fires raging in the area and approved a major disaster declaration for California, President Biden made the decision to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to remain focused on directing the full federal response in the days ahead. Additional details to follow," said spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement.
Intense wildfires, driven by strong windstorms and extremely dry conditions, swept through areas of northern and northwestern Los Angeles on Wednesday, resulting in five fatalities and destroying over 1,000 homes, businesses, and other structures.
The Palisades Fire, the largest so far, began Tuesday morning at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time (18:30 GMT). It has already scorched nearly 16,000 acres, rapidly advancing through the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood near the coastline.
According to AccuWeather, a weather forecasting company, the damage caused by the fires is estimated at $52 to $57 billion.
“This is a terrible disaster. We’re just starting to get a clear look at the magnitude of the destruction and loss," said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter.
Six wildfires tearing through Los Angeles have destroyed over 1,100 buildings, claimed at least five lives, and displaced countless residents, including several prominent Hollywood figures.
Wildfires raging across Los Angeles have reached the Hollywood Hills, forcing over 100,000 evacuations and threatening iconic landmarks like the Dolby Theatre. With strong winds fuelling six major blazes, officials warn of worsening conditions as firefighting efforts are stretched thin.
Devastating wildfires fueled by powerful winds force mass evacuations in Los Angeles, scorching homes and landmarks as firefighters battle uncontained blazes across the region.
A Cessna CJ1+ aircraft (PR-GFS) crashed while landing at Gastão Madeira State Airport (UBT) in Ubatuba, Brazil, on 9 January 2025, amidst adverse weather. The crash, which claimed the pilot’s life and injured seven others, has raised concerns over private aviation safety in Brazil.
Pope Francis calls on wealthy nations at COP29 to address "ecological debt" by forgiving poor countries' debts, fostering justice and solidarity in climate action.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has showcased advanced military capabilities during its “Great Prophet 19” drills, unveiling a new loitering munition, the "Rezvan" drone, and the “358 missile defence system” designed to protect strategic facilities like the Natanz nuclear plant.
Highland Park resident Sabrina gives a firsthand account of fleeing the devastating Southern California wildfires, as fierce 80 mph winds drive the Eaton Fire toward residential areas. In an exclusive interview, Sabrina details her experience joining the other 130,000 displaced citizens.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has highlighted the importance of improved coordination between military and civilian services following the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, which resulted in 38 fatalities.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry is working with Eritrean authorities to secure the release of 18 Azerbaijani citizens detained after their vessels entered Eritrean waters on November 7, 2024, due to severe weather. The crew faces charges of unauthorized entry.
A Cessna CJ1+ aircraft (PR-GFS) crashed while landing at Gastão Madeira State Airport (UBT) in Ubatuba, Brazil, on 9 January 2025, amidst adverse weather. The crash, which claimed the pilot’s life and injured seven others, has raised concerns over private aviation safety in Brazil.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has showcased advanced military capabilities during its “Great Prophet 19” drills, unveiling a new loitering munition, the "Rezvan" drone, and the “358 missile defence system” designed to protect strategic facilities like the Natanz nuclear plant.
Highland Park resident Sabrina gives a firsthand account of fleeing the devastating Southern California wildfires, as fierce 80 mph winds drive the Eaton Fire toward residential areas. In an exclusive interview, Sabrina details her experience joining the other 130,000 displaced citizens.
Greece bade farewell to former Prime Minister Costas Simitis, a reformist leader who steered the country into the eurozone in 2001. Celebrated for his modernisation efforts, his legacy is also marked by controversy over policies linked to Greece’s later debt crisis.
The Armenian government has approved a bill to kickstart the country's bid for European Union membership, with the final decision to be made through a national referendum.
A Cessna CJ1+ aircraft (PR-GFS) crashed while landing at Gastão Madeira State Airport (UBT) in Ubatuba, Brazil, on 9 January 2025, amidst adverse weather. The crash, which claimed the pilot’s life and injured seven others, has raised concerns over private aviation safety in Brazil.
Pope Francis calls on wealthy nations at COP29 to address "ecological debt" by forgiving poor countries' debts, fostering justice and solidarity in climate action.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has showcased advanced military capabilities during its “Great Prophet 19” drills, unveiling a new loitering munition, the "Rezvan" drone, and the “358 missile defence system” designed to protect strategic facilities like the Natanz nuclear plant.
Highland Park resident Sabrina gives a firsthand account of fleeing the devastating Southern California wildfires, as fierce 80 mph winds drive the Eaton Fire toward residential areas. In an exclusive interview, Sabrina details her experience joining the other 130,000 displaced citizens.
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