At least 24 people have died in wildfires in Los Angeles that have devastated several areas of the second-largest city in the United States (US).
The Los Angeles County coroner said it is investigating at least two dozen deaths linked to two major wildfires that have been raging in Southern California since Tuesday.
Officials said 16 deaths have been reported in Eaton, and eight are linked to the Palisades fire.
The toll is expected to rise.
More than 150,000 residents have been evacuated, and another 87,000 are in evacuation zones. More than 12,000 homes and businesses have been destroyed, and the wildfires have burned more than 60 square miles (155 square kilometers).
“Initial aerial estimates indicate 5,316 structures have burned in Palisades and more than 7,000 in Eaton,” the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) said.
Firefighters continue to battle the devastating blazes, which are being hampered by strong winds.
A fire warning remains in effect through Wednesday, and evacuation orders have been extended through at least Thursday. A curfew remains in effect as police try to prevent looting in the area.
Nancy Ward, director of the California Office of Emergency Services, said they must provide support to the people of Southern California.
About 14,000 emergency responders, 1,300 fire engines and 84 aircraft are battling the blazes from nine states, including California, as well as crews from Canada and Mexico.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he was deploying 1,000 more members of the California National Guard to help fight the wildfires.
President Joe Biden has already approved a major disaster declaration for the state to provide financial assistance for cleanup and recovery, with early estimates suggesting the cost of wildfire damage could reach at least $10 billion.
Humanitarian groups and nonprofits like the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank have already begun efforts to provide relief to evacuees, providing food, water, shelter and life supplies to those affected by the deadly fires.
