US President Joe Biden has cancelled his planned trip to Italy due to the emergency surrounding the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area, which have claimed five lives.
“After returning from Los Angeles, where he met with police, firefighters and emergency personnel battling the unprecedented wildfires ravaging the area, and after issuing a major disaster declaration for California, President Biden has made the decision to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to remain focused on directing the full federal response in the coming days,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. President Biden was scheduled to leave in the next few hours to meet with Pope Francis, President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome.
Firefighters mobilized
About 7.500 firefighters are battling the blazes that are threatening the Los Angeles area. California Governor Gavin Newsom told X that the personnel deployed are from both local forces and other parts of the United States.
The flames are now threatening the Hollywood district, where an evacuation order has been issued for residents. The fires have begun to consume the hills, just meters from Hollywood Boulevard and the famous Chinese Theater. An additional fire has broken out in the neighboring Studio City neighborhood, leading to increased concern among authorities. More than 1.500 buildings have been destroyed and more than 100.000 residents have been forced to evacuate.
Adverse weather conditions
Officials are expressing concerns about possible additional casualties. According to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the city has been hit by “hurricane-force winds combined with extremely dry conditions,” a combination that has contributed to the intensification of the fires.
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Comments (1)
It is very sad that Biden is not going to Italy, but it is understandable because there are many problems in California. The fires are bad and the victims always hurt. Let's hope that the situation improves soon, also for the firefighters.