Los Angeles, Jan 11
At least 11 people have lost their lives, with fears that the death toll could climb as rescue efforts intensify following devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
The fires, which erupted on Tuesday, have left communities reeling as they witness the extensive destruction caused by the raging blazes.
Firefighters continue to battle the flames amid challenging conditions, though the strong winds that fueled the infernos earlier in the week have now subsided. The disaster has already engulfed over 12,000 homes and structures across a densely populated 25-mile (40 km) area north of downtown Los Angeles.
For residents like Michael, an accountant in Altadena where the Eaton Fire erupted, the devastation has been life-altering. He was evacuated moments before his home was engulfed by flames.
"It's like living through Armageddon," he said, choking back tears. "We've lost everything."