Southern California is reeling from the largest wildfires in Los Angeles County's history, with over $50 billion in damages and more than 5,000 structures destroyed. As insurance options dwindle and rebuilding costs soar, residents face tough choices.
Southern California is grappling with the aftermath of the largest and costliest wildfires in Los Angeles County's history, which have caused over $50 billion in damages, according to JP Morgan analysts.
The Palisades Fire alone destroyed more than 5,000 structures, leaving homeowners to decide whether to rebuild or relocate in the face of skyrocketing costs and insurance uncertainties.
State Farm and other major insurers have pulled back from California, citing increased wildfire risks, leaving many residents with the state’s FAIR Plan — a last-resort insurance policy with limited coverage, high premiums, lower maximum coverage limits and lack of personal liability protection.
FAIR Plan policies grew from 200,000 in 2020 to over 450,000 by late 2024, tripling the plan’s loss exposure to $458 billion. Critics warn these bare-bones policies may leave wildfire victims underprotected.
“It’s just an unmitigated disaster,” said Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders. “Wildfires in January? This just proves insurers’ point that the risk is so significantly increased due to climate change.”
Rebuilding will test the region’s resources. About 25% of the construction workforce consists of immigrant labour, essential for recovery.
However, President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportations could exacerbate labor shortages. Construction costs are also climbing due to high tariffs on materials like lumber and appliances.
Governor Gavin Newsom likened the recovery effort to a “Marshall Plan,” emphasising federal disaster assistance and the need for collaboration.
President Joe Biden has pledged full federal disaster relief to California for six months. “We’re all better off when we’re working together to take care of people,” Newsom said.
Insurance reforms, including the ability to factor climate change risks into premiums, aim to stabilise the market. Yet, experts like Denise Rappmund of Moody’s warn these changes could drive premiums even higher.
As Southern California rebuilds, the focus remains on balancing immediate recovery with long-term resilience, a challenge amplified by the looming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
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U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visited military personnel in Los Angeles on Friday following their deployment to the city earlier this month in response to protests triggered by federal immigration enforcement actions.
Los Angeles businesses report significant losses as immigration raids prompt many workers and customers to stay home, raising concerns over broader economic effects.
Los Angeles police made mass arrests late Tuesday after protesters violated a newly imposed curfew following five days of demonstrations against Trump's immigration crackdown, which were marred by looting and vandalism.
The U.S. military plans to temporarily deploy around 700 Marines to Los Angeles amid ongoing unrest, a move that comes as the city awaits reinforcements from the National Guard, a U.S. official told Reuters on Monday.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
Authorities in North Carolina are investigating three potential storm-related deaths linked to severe flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal, officials said Tuesday.
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China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will send an upgraded ‘version 3.0’ free-trade agreement to their heads of government for approval in October, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday after regional talks in Kuala Lumpur.
Chinese automaker Chery has denied an industry-ministry audit that disqualified more than $53 million in state incentives for thousands of its electric and hybrid vehicles, insisting it followed official guidance and committed no fraud.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a new trade agreement with Indonesia, calling it a “great deal” that includes a 19% tariff and expanded U.S. export access.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces should not strike Moscow, rejecting reports that he approved long-range missile deliveries.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says it’s unlikely his government can strike a tariff-free trade deal with the U.S.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is warning that major economies like Brazil, China, and India could face serious consequences if they continue trading with Russia, as the U.S. steps up pressure with fresh sanctions and weapons support for Ukraine.
The American leader stated that if an agreement between Russia and Ukraine is not achieved within that timeframe, "it will be very bad."
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