At Least 24 People Killed in California Wildfires
At least 24 people have died as a result of large forest fires in southern California. Around 180,000 people have been evacuated, and approximately 12,000 buildings have been destroyed. This was reported on the evening of January 12 by The Washington Post.
Authorities have warned that winds in Los Angeles could intensify at the beginning of the next week. Which could further fuel the spread of the forest fires that have been raging in the city for six consecutive days.
The Los Angeles fires started on January 7. Property damage is estimated at around 150 billion dollars. Members of the Armenian community have also suffered property losses. The Sahak-Mesrop School has been completely destroyed. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, no Armenian citizens are among the victims.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has also expressed solidarity regarding the devastating fires: “Our thoughts are with the people of California as they face the destructive forest fires. Armenia expresses its solidarity with the victims, including our resilient Armenian community in Los Angeles and throughout California. We are with you in spirit and wish you strength during this tragic time․”
Official data indicates that more than 300,000 Armenians live in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.