Death toll from Los Angeles wildfires rises to 16

KABUL (Pajhwok): The death toll from Los Angeles wildfires in California has risen to 16, with over 12,000 houses burnt to ashes, a media report said on Sunday.

As the blaze continues to rage, NBC News reported Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Kent and Lidia counties were the worst-affected areas.

Local officials asked residents to avoid returning home in the current situation. More than 100,000 people are already under evacuation orders.

Los Angeles officials warned the fires may further spread due to the fast-blowing winds over the next few days.

President Joe Biden characterised Los Angeles as a war zone and warned the number of victims could increase.

The fires are estimated to have caused between $135 and $150 billion in damage to properties so far.

The wildfires erupted on Tuesday while the efforts by firefighting teams have yielded little results.

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