The damage caused by forest fires that occurred simultaneously in the Los Angeles area of California, USA, is expected to exceed at least $50 billion (approximately 73 trillion won), making it the largest forest fire in US history. As of the 9th (local time), the third day of the forest fire, the death toll has also increased to at least 10, and the number of people who have received immediate evacuation orders is approximately 180,000. The homes of former major leaguer Park Chan-ho, actor Anthony Hopkins, and broadcaster Paris Hilton also suffered fire damage.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and global investment bank JP Morgan, the economic loss caused by this forest fire is at least $50 billion. Accuweather, a U.S. weather company, estimated the damage to be much higher, at $57 billion (about 83 trillion won). The insurance industry’s premiums alone are estimated to be $20 billion. The previous highest amount of damage from wildfires in the United States was $12.5 billion (about 18.25 trillion won) during the California wildfires in 2018.
Even compared to other large-scale disasters, the scale of damage is significant. When Hurricane Katrina struck the southeastern United States in 2005, it caused $102 billion in damage. Damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022 (USD 56 billion) and the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 (USD 48 billion) was also significant.
According to CNN, etc., the total area damaged by this forest fire is 14,481ha (hectare, approximately 144㎢), which is a quarter of the total area of Seoul. In particular, the fire suppression rates in Eaton and Pacific Palisades, where damage was concentrated, are only 0% and 6%, respectively.
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna revealed, “Honestly, we don’t know yet” about the exact number of casualties. There is a high possibility that casualties will increase.
Various crimes are also rampant, taking advantage of social chaos. Amid a severe shortage of fire extinguishing water due to winter drought, Los Angeles authorities advised residents in some western areas to “boil water before drinking it.” In the aftermath of this, a phenomenon of bottled water hoarding is occurring in the LA area. Crimes such as burglarizing empty houses and arson are also occurring. Authorities said they arrested at least 20 theft suspects.
Reporter Hong Jeong-su [email protected]
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