The wildfires in Los Angeles have taken the form of a crisis that has not only threatened the lives of the people living there, but has also raised questions about the preparedness of the entire system. Why is the most powerful country in the world, which helps other countries and has the ability to solve every problem, unable to control this fire in its own city?

This incident reminds us that human power still pales in comparison to nature. This fire is a warning not just for Los Angeles but for the whole world that the time has come to get serious about climate change and natural disasters.

Key Issues

1. Direction of Fire

The Palisades Fire has changed its direction to Brentwood and the San Fernando Valley foothills, due to which new evacuation orders have been issued. This is proving to be the most destructive fire in the history of Los Angeles.

2. Damage and Death

Death: 11 people have lost their lives, and more deaths are expected.

Damage: 10,000 homes and structures have been destroyed by fire.

Area: 35,000 acres (54 square miles) of area has been destroyed.

3. Evacuations and Warnings

Evacuations: 1.53 lakh people are forced to leave their homes.

Warnings: 1.66 lakh people are facing evacuation warnings.

4. Emergency Response

Seven neighbouring states, federal agencies and Canada have provided help for firefighting.

Improving weather has provided some relief to firefighters, but critical fire weather still remains.

5. Human Factor

People returning to the affected areas can only see the burnt houses and their young homes.

Some people are gathering courage and trying to start their lives anew.

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