the south of California faces a complex environmental situation due to the forest firesintensified by an fstrong wind storm. More than 30 thousand people received evacuation orders as a precautionary measure.
He Palisades fire, in the mountainsand Santa Monicahas consumed more than 1,200 acres and represents a risk to 10 thousand 367 homesincluding some featured properties in Pacific Palisades, where the average price of houses exceeds 3 million dollars.
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The critical conditions combine a severe drought with gusts of up to 160 kilometers per hour, a product of the Santa Ana winds, considered the most intense in a decade. Authorities issued red alerts for Los Angeles, Ventura and San Diego counties, which will remain in effect until Thursday.
He governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that the federal government quickly approved emergency funds that will cover 75 percent of the costs to fight the fire. “We urge Californians to remain vigilant and obey evacuation orders,” he declared.
Meanwhile, residents face a difficult escape. Backed up traffic forced authorities to use heavy machinery to clear the streets. Some barely managed to escape with a few belongings.
Desolate panorama
Images show houses engulfed in flames and neighbors moving on foot with pets and essential items. Witnesses describe the chaos: “Five minutes after seeing the smoke, the fire came down the hill. Everyone panicked,” one resident said.
The impact of the fires not only affects the displaced. Events such as the premiere of the film Unstoppable, starring Jennifer Lopezand a scheduled presidential visit to the area have been canceled.
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Climate change: a factor
Experts point out that fires in the western United States have intensified due to climate change. Extreme conditions, aggravated by prolonged droughts, have increased the frequency and voracity of these natural disasters.
In a region accustomed to fire, this season’s fires mark a critical point that underscores the urgency of addressing environmental and climate impacts. Authorities are calling on the population to prioritize their safety while emergency teams wage a race against time.
CSAS
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