President Joe Biden canceled his Italy trip to focus on federal efforts as wildfires devastate Los Angeles, claiming lives, destroying thousands of structures, and causing billions in damages.
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.
South Korea is facing its worst wildfire disaster, with blazes doubling in size and killing at least 27 people. Over 33,000 hectares have burned, destroying historic temples as firefighters battle the flames. Strong winds and dry conditions fuel the rapid spread of the fires.
At least 15 people have died as wildfires continue to ravage South Korea’s southeastern region, Yonhap News Agency reported on Wednesday.
New York has declared a state of emergency as brush fires force evacuations and shut down a major highway.
Japan is battling its worst wildfires in more than 30 years as blazing infernos continue to scorch thousands of hectares of land each day.
Japan is battling its worst forest fire in three decades, which has claimed one life and forced the evacuation of over a thousand residents. Since the blaze erupted on Wednesday, it has scorched approximately 1,800 hectares in the Ōfunato Forest.
Ramadan, a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, is celebrated uniquely around the world. From vibrant lanterns in Egypt to communal feasts in Turkey, discover the diverse customs that make Ramadan a global celebration of faith.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing more than 1,644 people and leaving 2,300 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres responds to discussions on a potential temporary administration in Ukraine, reaffirming the presence of a legitimate government and clarifying the UN’s role in mediation efforts.
Suicide bomber targets a political protest rally in Balochistan, Pakistan. No civilian casualties reported; the attacker was killed.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilots, monitoring a Chinese navy warship as it navigated Australian waters, were alerted to a live-fire exercise via a civilian radio broadcast, defense officials revealed on Tuesday.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing more than 1,644 people and leaving 2,300 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
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Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
A devastating overnight drone attack on Kyiv, attributed to Russian forces, resulted in the deaths of three people, including a five-year-old child, and left ten others injured.
Ramadan, a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, is celebrated uniquely around the world. From vibrant lanterns in Egypt to communal feasts in Turkey, discover the diverse customs that make Ramadan a global celebration of faith.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing more than 1,644 people and leaving 2,300 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres responds to discussions on a potential temporary administration in Ukraine, reaffirming the presence of a legitimate government and clarifying the UN’s role in mediation efforts.
Suicide bomber targets a political protest rally in Balochistan, Pakistan. No civilian casualties reported; the attacker was killed.
Ramadan, a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, is celebrated uniquely around the world. From vibrant lanterns in Egypt to communal feasts in Turkey, discover the diverse customs that make Ramadan a global celebration of faith.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing more than 1,644 people and leaving 2,300 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres responds to discussions on a potential temporary administration in Ukraine, reaffirming the presence of a legitimate government and clarifying the UN’s role in mediation efforts.
Suicide bomber targets a political protest rally in Balochistan, Pakistan. No civilian casualties reported; the attacker was killed.
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