Los Angeles - Saba:
The death toll from the massive fires in the American city of Los Angeles has risen to ten, according to the American authorities.
The coroner's department late on Thursday said in a statement that the victims' identities are being identified to inform their families.
"The coroner's office has received reports on 10 deaths related to the fires," the statement said, adding that "all cases are currently awaiting identification and notification to next of kin."
The city's massive fires continued to grow Thursday, destroying homes and vehicles, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate and killing others.
The city's two main blazes remained out of control Thursday.
More than 130,000 people have fled their homes as the blazes are being fanned by strong winds in the US second-largest city.
Two massive wildfires threatening the US city from the east and west have consumed about 10,000 homes and other buildings, and the flames continued to burn Thursday for a third night even as the strong winds subsided.
The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu west of Los Angeles and the Eaton Fire to the east near Pasadena are among the most destructive fires in the city's history, burning more than 34,000 acres and reducing entire neighborhoods to ash.
The death toll is expected to rise, County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a news conference. “It’s like an atomic bomb dropped on these areas. I don’t expect good news,” he said.
The Eaton Fire damaged or destroyed 4,000 to 5,000 structures, and the Palisades Fire damaged or destroyed another 5,300, officials said.
Private forecaster AccuWeather estimated damage and economic losses at $135 billion to $150 billion, suggesting a difficult recovery and higher homeowners’ insurance costs.
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