Los Angeles: The huge wildfires that are affecting Los Angeles have already killed 11 people, and officials said that the number would probably rise. While firefighters are contending with the blaze, along comes a new trouble: the alleged water shortage that is hampering the fire extinguishing.
Governor of California Gavin Newsom has demanded that an independent investigation should be responded to regarding the issue of what water scarcity is to the firefighting. In a letter addressed to Janisse Quiñones, head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and Mark Pestrella, Director of Los Angeles County Public Works, Newsom expressed his concerns about the reports that the water supply had failed. The governor’s worries appeared to stem from the claim that some of the hydrants were without enough water and the Santa Ynez Reservoir was reported to be unavailable.
The water supply problems have really affected the putting down of fires, especially the past week’s strong winds that spread the flames have now calmed down.
While some success in putting out the Eaton Fire was reached, the Palisades Fire is still a big problem and is even worse due to the winds of up to 100 kilometres per hour. The fires have resulted in over 12,000 deaths and buildings in a 40 km stretch that runs north of Los Angeles and is mostly inhabited. About 150,000 people were told to move from their homes.
This year’s severe drought has worsened the situation, as the flames have now begun to threaten the homes of various Hollywood stars by coming very close to Hollywood Hills. The officials warn about the rise of the death toll, which has been confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office, with some casualties taking place.
The ongoing incidents revolve around the need for better preparedness for disasters and better management of resources as such extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.