Wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles County, claiming 25 lives and displacing tens of thousands. As emergency responders fight the flames, authorities have made 50 arrests for crimes such as looting and arson.
The wildfires burning across Los Angeles County have become one of the most destructive in the region’s history, with at least 25 confirmed deaths and nearly 30 people still missing. The fires have scorched over 115 square kilometers of land, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds reaching speeds of up to 80 kmph. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, and 88,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate, with another 84,000 on high alert.
The blazes have caused widespread damage, with the Eaton and Palisades Fires standing out as the most catastrophic. The Eaton Fire has burned over 56 square kilometers, destroying 7,000 structures and claiming 17 lives. The Palisades Fire has ravaged 93 square kilometers, destroying 5,000 buildings and causing at least 8 deaths. These two fires now rank as the most destructive in Southern California's history, surpassing the Cedar Fire of 2003.
Emergency crews continue to battle the flames, with over 8,000 firefighters working across the region, aided by teams from the U.S. and abroad. While there was some brief relief on Tuesday with lighter winds, conditions remain perilous, and forecasters are warning of the potential for stronger winds that could reignite the fires. Nearly 90,000 households have been left without power, as utilities shut off electricity to prevent additional sparks.
In addition to the growing humanitarian crisis, authorities are facing criminal activity in the affected areas. Police have announced roughly 50 arrests for crimes including looting, flying drones in fire zones, and violating curfews. The cause of the wildfires is still under investigation, but the intense heat and dry conditions have made firefighting efforts particularly challenging.
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.
Five of the deaths were attributed to the Palisades fire and 11 resulted from the Eaton fire, the LA County medical examiner’s office confirmed.
Firefighters report progress against Los Angeles County's wildfires, but strong winds threaten to worsen conditions. Over 34,000 acres have burned, with 10 fatalities and nearly 10,000 structures destroyed, as efforts focus on controlling the region’s most devastating blazes.
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Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, marking a rare absence from a key ceremonial event. Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with their spouses, have confirmed their attendance.
Japan voiced concern over South China Sea tensions, opposing unilateral actions. Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya pledged stronger security ties with the Philippines and deeper trilateral cooperation with the US under the Trump administration.
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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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Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, marking a rare absence from a key ceremonial event. Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with their spouses, have confirmed their attendance.
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Stay updated with the top news for January 15th in our Morning Briefing.
An outbreak of suspected Marburg disease in Tanzania has claimed eight lives, with nine cases reported in the Kagera region, according to the World Health Organization. The high-fatality virus, spread through close contact, poses a regional risk as surveillance efforts continue.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, marking a rare absence from a key ceremonial event. Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with their spouses, have confirmed their attendance.
Japan voiced concern over South China Sea tensions, opposing unilateral actions. Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya pledged stronger security ties with the Philippines and deeper trilateral cooperation with the US under the Trump administration.
RedNote, a Chinese lifestyle app known as Xiaohongshu, has seen a surge of over 500,000 TikTok users amid U.S. ban concerns. The platform, often called China’s Instagram, is exploring global expansion as it gains unexpected international attention.
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