At least 1,455 people have died, while another 13,795 people were rescued during the response, according to officials. The disaster damaged or destroyed roads, bridges, settlements and 12 hydroelectric projects.

The government says the decision marks a shift from the search-and-rescue phase to a broader recovery effort.

But thousands of families are still waiting for answers.

Families Face Different Choices

The decision has produced sharply different reactions among families of the missing.

Some have protested and demanded that authorities continue searching for their relatives. Others have accepted that their loved ones are unlikely to have survived and want a legal process that would allow them to move forward.

Some families have held symbolic funerals even without recovering bodies.

The uncertainty has practical consequences as well. Families need official recognition of deaths to settle insurance claims, inheritance, banking matters and other legal issues.

Officials are considering procedures for legally declaring some missing people dead. That process is separate from the physical search and does not mean authorities have confirmed the deaths of all 5,285 people.

Search Ends, Recovery Continues

Ending the active search does not mean authorities will stop recovering human remains.

Dharam Raj Uprety, chief of Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, said teams would recover remains, personal property and other valuables discovered during rehabilitation work.

Emergency rescue operations can also continue if new situations require them.

Nepal’s official Rasuwa flood-rescue portal continues to provide government information on missing and recovered people and emergency assistance.

Reconstruction Becomes the Priority

The government is now directing resources toward restoring infrastructure damaged by the floods.

Roads and bridges in remote areas are a particular concern because damage has disrupted access and made it harder to deliver assistance.

Authorities estimate that reconstruction and recovery will require about $4.77 billion.

Nearly 33,000 people were affected by the disaster, while about 7,500 homes were damaged or destroyed.

Nepal’s government has also begun considering longer-term measures to reduce flood risks, including work to lower water levels in four high-altitude glacial lakes considered dangerous.

Missing Does Not Mean Declared Dead

The biggest unresolved issue is the status of the thousands who remain missing.

Authorities have recovered many bodies, but thousands of people have not been found.

The government is therefore facing two separate tasks: continuing to identify recovered remains and creating a legal process for families who need official recognition of a death.

Until those procedures are completed, the 5,285 people remain officially missing.

For their families, the end of the search brings no single form of closure. Some are still demanding more efforts to find their relatives. Others are preparing to rebuild their lives without them.

For Nepal, the response has entered a new phase: from searching for survivors and the missing to rebuilding communities and infrastructure damaged by the floods.

Reporting Credit: Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers of Nepal; National Emergency Operation Centre; National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority; Nepal Police; Ministry of Home Affairs; official flood-rescue records; official recovery and reconstruction assessments.

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The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kyushu, Japan’s southern main island, on Tuesday, killing 38 people and injuring 114, according to prefectural authorities. Officials said one person died from apparent heat stroke while sheltering inside a vehicle after the quake, while another death remains under investigation.

Heat and Water Shortages Hamper Recovery

Extreme summer temperatures have added to the challenges facing thousands of displaced residents.

More than 46,000 households remained without running water on Monday, while several communities also reported fuel shortages.

The Japan Meteorological Agency forecast temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), raising concerns about dehydration and heat-related illnesses.

More than 8,500 people continued to stay in evacuation centers, including schools, community halls and gymnasiums. Many of the facilities lack air conditioning. Others have chosen to sleep in parked vehicles or outside damaged homes.

Residents spent the day clearing debris, damaged furniture and household appliances as local authorities organized waste collection. Construction of temporary housing also began in the towns of Uki and Hikawa, while hotels and inns opened additional rooms for evacuees.

Disaster experts have long warned that overcrowded shelters and limited sanitation can increase health risks following major earthquakes.

Prime Minister Promises Additional Support

Prime Minister Takaichi toured the disaster zone by military helicopter before visiting an evacuation center equipped with air conditioning, cardboard beds and privacy partitions.

Images of the visit prompted criticism on social media, with some users arguing that many shelters across Kumamoto lack similar facilities.

During a meeting with the prime minister, Kumamoto Governor Takashi Kimura highlighted the severe heat affecting displaced residents and requested additional government assistance to improve conditions at evacuation centers.

He cited shortages of clean water and medical services as immediate priorities.

Takaichi said the government would review the requests and move quickly to provide additional support where needed.

Shopping Mall Explosion Under Scrutiny

Questions also continued to surround the explosion at a collapsed shopping mall that claimed several lives after the earthquake.

Habita, a retailer operating inside Aeon Mall in Kashima, acknowledged that it had instructed two employees who later died to return to the building and place sales proceeds into a safe if conditions allowed.

Company executives attended the wake of 22-year-old employee Kurumi Otake on Sunday and apologized to her family.

Sales manager Goji Yuse confirmed the instruction had been given before the explosion.

“I wish someone had stopped her. My daughter is not coming back,” Otake’s mother told company representatives.

Mall officials believe a gas leak caused the explosion after about 3,000 shoppers had already evacuated the building. Some employees, however, remained inside.

Rescue teams later pulled five survivors from the debris and recovered the bodies of seven victims.

Recovery Effort Continues

Authorities said the earthquake destroyed about 700 homes and damaged more than 11,300 buildings across Kumamoto Prefecture.

Emergency crews continue restoring essential services while local governments expand temporary housing and support thousands of residents displaced by one of Japan’s deadliest earthquakes this year.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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The search for survivors is increasingly giving way to the grim task of recovering the dead, with international rescue teams beginning to leave the country after nearly two weeks of operations.

Among those searching is 26-year-old Noel Márquez, whose family’s apartment building collapsed and caught fire during the June 24 earthquakes in La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit areas.

Márquez survived because he was away from home at the time. Returning to the scene, he found only his 17-year-old brother, Leonel, still alive beneath the wreckage.

Márquez and his father spoke with Leonel through layers of concrete as he pleaded for help while trapped under heavy columns. According to Márquez, they waited for heavy machinery that never arrived.

After several hours, Leonel’s voice fell silent.

Families Search for Closure

Márquez said the ordeal did not end with his brother’s death.

Unable to obtain equipment needed to recover his relatives, he attempted to retrieve their bodies himself.

He said he managed to recover the remains of his brother and mother but was forced to leave behind his pregnant sister, grandmother and other relatives still buried beneath the collapsed building.

“It’s unfair. It’s inhumane, everything that is happening,” Márquez said outside a makeshift morgue at the port of La Guaira.

“We couldn’t get my brother out because we didn’t get a response from the state … and after 11 days, we are still requesting a crane.”

Across the disaster zone, similar stories have emerged as families continue searching for missing relatives while hoping to recover bodies for burial.

“I found her hand, but her torso is crushed,” said Norely Rodríguez, who has been trying to recover the body of her 5-year-old daughter. “I want to see if I can get her out whole.”

Civilians Lead Recovery Efforts

Residents say they have received little assistance in recovering victims from collapsed buildings.

William Gomez, a firefighter in La Guaira, said recovery work has become increasingly difficult as bodies decompose beneath the rubble.

“It has been difficult because the bodies are already in an advanced state of decomposition, decomposed to such an extent that many times when we try to remove them, they fall apart,” Gomez said.

Authorities announced Monday that the confirmed death toll had risen to 3,535, while another 16,740 people were reported injured.

The total number of people still trapped remains unknown. More than 30,000 missing-person reports have been submitted through a website established by Venezuela’s political opposition.

According to the United Nations Development Programme, approximately 1.2 million tons of debris remain in the areas of La Guaira most heavily damaged by the earthquakes.

Over the weekend, few government emergency crews were visible in the hardest-hit neighborhoods. Most recovery efforts were being carried out by residents using shovels, pickaxes and their hands, occasionally assisted by firefighters and Mexican rescue personnel still operating in the country.

“We are the ones helping ourselves: our family. Nobody else helps us except for a few volunteers,” said resident Yeikhary Urbina, who recovered the bodies of her mother and brother after finding them beneath collapsed concrete.

Some communities have discussed pooling money to rent cranes privately, with one neighborhood reportedly facing a cost of $11,500 for heavy equipment.

Government Shifts Focus to Reconstruction

Several international search-and-rescue teams from countries including Italy, Argentina and Spain have already returned home.

Although Venezuelan authorities have not officially ended the search for survivors, government messaging has increasingly shifted toward reconstruction.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced plans to rebuild damaged infrastructure through a program called “Venezuela Reborn.”

“Venezuela is entering a process of infrastructure recovery, of housing recovery,” Rodríguez said on state television.

She rejected criticism that the government’s response to the disaster had been too slow and accused some media organizations of spreading misinformation.

Questions Raised Over Building Safety

For many survivors, the recovery effort has also renewed concerns about the safety of public housing developments built years earlier under former President Hugo Chávez.

Entire residential towers collapsed during the earthquakes, prompting renewed scrutiny over construction standards.

Alexander, a police officer who asked that only his first name be used because he feared retaliation as a government employee, said he lost his wife and three daughters when their apartment building collapsed.

He criticized authorities for failing to address long-standing concerns raised by residents about the structural quality of the building and for what he described as delayed rescue efforts.

After searching for 11 days, he finally recovered the body of his 12-year-old daughter.

“She was waiting for me to pull her out,” he said while carrying her body in a black plastic bag.

As emergency operations wind down, thousands of Venezuelans continue searching through the debris, hoping to recover missing relatives while confronting the immense human toll left by one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Topics: Venezuela | Earthquake | Disaster Recovery | La Guaira | Humanitarian Crisis | Search and Rescue | Reconstruction | World News

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Grian Serrano, 46, was rescued alongside his 8-year-old son and his 69-year-old mother after their eight-story apartment building collapsed in the city of Caraballeda, one of the areas hardest hit by the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes.

Bruised but alive, Serrano described their survival as extraordinary after the family became trapped beneath concrete and twisted steel.

“It is a miracle from God,” Serrano said, recalling how he dug through debris with his bare hands in complete darkness before two passersby helped free his son and mother.

Thousands Affected by Powerful Earthquakes

Government authorities said the twin earthquakes killed more than 1,700 people and injured over 5,000.

Hundreds of buildings either collapsed or sustained significant structural damage, with La Guaira suffering the greatest destruction. Damage was also reported across Caracas and the neighboring states of Carabobo, Miranda, Aragua and Yaracuy.

La Guaira, located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) north of Caracas, is one of Venezuela’s most strategically important states. It is home to the country’s main international airport and second-largest seaport, while much of its population depends on tourism, commerce and transportation-related industries.

Memories of the 1999 Vargas Tragedy Return

The recent disaster revived painful memories for Serrano of Dec. 15, 1999, when torrential rainfall triggered catastrophic floods and landslides that devastated the region.

He recalled being awakened by screams after a nearby river overflowed, watching from his apartment window as floodwaters swept away trees, enormous boulders and vehicles carrying people desperately trying to escape.

Serrano fled to the roof of his apartment building with his mother, sister and their household employee, fearing the structure would collapse under the force of the rushing water and debris.

When the rain finally eased, the family crossed mud-filled streets littered with fallen trees and rocks to reach relatives living nearby.

According to Ángel Rangel, who directed rescue operations as head of Venezuela’s Civil Protection agency during the disaster, the 1999 floods and landslides claimed 782 lives, left another 2,000 people missing and affected approximately 250,000 residents.

Expert Points to Geological Risks

Still shaken after surviving two major disasters in the same region, Serrano believes La Guaira is cursed.

“It isn’t normal for such horrible things to happen in the same place,” he said.

Disaster specialist Ángel Rangel offered a scientific explanation, saying many buildings in La Guaira were constructed on ground formed over centuries by sediment washed down from the surrounding Ávila mountain range.

He said such terrain presents significant risks for construction and requires strict compliance with seismic-resistant engineering standards introduced after the powerful 1967 earthquake that struck Caracas.

Many of the buildings that collapsed in the recent earthquakes were built during the 1970s, and authorities have not yet determined whether they complied with those engineering requirements.

Looking Ahead After Losing Everything

Having lost his apartment and nearly all of his belongings, Serrano said he remains uncertain about what the future holds for his family.

One decision, however, has already been made.

After surviving two of Venezuela’s deadliest natural disasters in the same coastal region over a span of more than two decades, he says he will never again make La Guaira his home.

“That’s twice now,” Serrano said. “Sometimes I think if there’s a third time, it’s going to win the battle.”

Tags: Venezuela, La Guaira, Caracas, Grian Serrano, Earthquake, Vargas Tragedy, Natural Disaster, Ángel Rangel, Building Collapse, Civil Protection, Seismic Safety, Humanitarian Crisis

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Researchers and disaster-response specialists say that preparing for emergencies before they occur can help reduce psychological distress while also improving physical safety. The guidance comes as communities across the United States continue to face weather-related disasters ranging from destructive storms to major wildfires.

Ruben Juarez, a health economist at the University of Hawaii who directed the Maui Wildfires Exposure Study examining the impacts of the deadly 2023 Maui fires, said preparation serves an important role beyond emergency readiness.

He noted that planning can be one of the most effective tools available for both safety and mental well-being. Findings from the Maui study also showed that mental health effects extended beyond those directly impacted by the fires, affecting many people throughout the wider community.

Emergency Planning Can Reduce Feelings of Helplessness

Mental health specialists who work with disaster-affected communities say uncertainty often fuels anxiety during severe weather events.

Melissa Brymer, a psychologist and director of terrorism and disaster programs at the UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, said creating an evacuation strategy and assembling emergency supplies can provide individuals and families with a greater sense of control. Experts recommend including pets, people with disabilities, expectant mothers and others with specialized needs when developing emergency plans.

Officials also encourage residents to stay informed through trusted weather alerts and public safety information while recognizing that some aspects of severe weather remain beyond human control. Reliable information can help reduce uncertainty and support informed decision-making during emergencies.

Supporting Children During Severe Weather

Mental health professionals advise parents and caregivers to discuss storms and other weather threats with children in a calm and factual manner.

Brymer said children often take emotional cues from adults around them. While it is appropriate to acknowledge that severe weather can be stressful, experts recommend avoiding conversations that may unintentionally increase fear or panic among younger family members. Instead, providing age-appropriate information and reassurance can help children better understand unfolding events.

Recovery Extends Beyond Physical Damage

Mental health experts emphasize that emotional recovery continues long after immediate threats have passed.

Returning to familiar routines, reconnecting with support networks and participating in community recovery efforts can help restore a sense of normalcy. Activities such as volunteering, donating supplies or assisting neighbors may also help counter feelings of helplessness by providing a sense of purpose.

The experience of Asheville, North Carolina restaurant owner Kevin Westmoreland illustrates those challenges. After Hurricane Helene caused extensive flooding damage to his business, he said coping strategies such as meditation and focusing on one step at a time helped him navigate the aftermath. The restaurant has since reopened following repairs and renovations.

Recognizing When Additional Help May Be Needed

Health organizations caution that ongoing distress following a disaster should not be ignored.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America advises people affected by severe weather to seek support from friends, relatives, therapists or others who can provide assistance. Persistent symptoms lasting for several weeks may indicate a more serious mental health condition, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and could warrant professional evaluation.

As communities continue to face increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, public health experts stress that preparation, access to accurate information and strong social support systems remain among the most effective tools for managing both the physical and psychological impacts of disasters.

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As hurricanes, floods, and wildfires intensify around the world, travelers are increasingly facing an ethical question: when is it appropriate to return to a destination recovering from a natural disaster? The answer, experts say, depends on a careful balance between safety, sensitivity, and community support.

Less than a week after Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, leaving 72% of residents without electricity and causing an estimated $6–7 billion in damages, the country’s tourism minister announced plans to reopen by mid-December — in time for peak tourist season.

But with thousands still displaced, many potential visitors are wondering: is it too soon?

Traveling After Disaster: A Growing Dilemma

The question of when to visit after catastrophe is not new — but it’s becoming increasingly urgent. As climate change drives more intense storms, floods, and wildfires, tourism-dependent economies must weigh the need for revenue against the emotional and physical recovery of residents.

Experts say travelers should evaluate whether their trip will help or hinder recovery efforts and how their presence might affect locals still coping with loss.

Is Your Visit Helping the Community?

Following Hurricane Maria in 2017, Puerto Rico reopened to tourists just three months after the storm. While the return of visitors brought economic relief, many locals — still without power or running water — felt anger and frustration.

“I think it left a bad taste in locals’ mouths,” said Mikey Cordero, co-founder of the Defend Puerto Rico Media Collective. “You’re enjoying what local people built, but it doesn’t trickle back down to us.”

Cordero emphasized that travelers should ensure their spending directly supports local communities, especially in regions dominated by all-inclusive resorts or cruise tourism, where profits often flow to corporations abroad.

Simple choices — like staying at locally owned accommodations, eating in neighborhood restaurants, and buying from small vendors — can help disaster-stricken communities recover faster and more equitably.

Are You Helping or Just Watching?

After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, a controversial wave of “disaster tours” emerged, bussing visitors past destroyed neighborhoods.

“There were still boats in trees and houses sitting on top of barges,” recalled Jason Bradberry, a longtime resident. Public backlash eventually led city officials to ban tours in the worst-hit areas, such as the Lower Ninth Ward.

“No one wants to be cleaning out the remnants of their family home while a tour bus drives by,” said Kelly Schultz, senior vice president at New Orleans & Company, whose own family lost their house during the storm.

However, Schultz noted that another kind of visitor made a genuine difference: voluntourists. “We had college students who came here for spring break to help rebuild churches and schools,” she said. “You could be on a beach, but you chose to come gut somebody’s home.”

Schultz added that welcoming back visitors who respected the recovery process helped preserve the city’s cultural identity. Campaigns like “Soul is Waterproof” highlighted New Orleans’ resilience through its music, cuisine, and traditions.

Organizations such as the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and local community groups continue to offer volunteer opportunities for those who want to contribute rather than simply observe.

Are You Listening to the Locals?

In 2023, wildfires tore through Maui, destroying large portions of Lāhainā and displacing thousands. Hawaiian officials quickly called for a temporary halt to tourism to ensure that resources could focus on residents.

“The moratorium lasted about a week,” explained Ilihia Gionson of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, “but the key was that locals played a central role in deciding when and how to reopen.”

Officials conducted a rapid needs assessment, revealing that over a third of affected residents cited financial or housing instability as their top concern. With nearly 60,000 jobs tied to visitor spending, the recovery plan emphasized restoring tourism — but only in a way that respected those still rebuilding.

Visitors were discouraged from entering devastated neighborhoods and instead encouraged to support local businesses and donate to relief efforts.

“The outpouring of aloha was heartwarming,” Gionson said. “People from around the world offered help, donations, and expertise.”

So How Soon Is Too Soon?

There’s no single timeline for when a destination should reopen after a disaster. Experts agree that decisions should hinge on transparent communication, community input, and visitor sensitivity.

Before booking a trip to a recovering area, travelers should ask:

• Is the local infrastructure ready for visitors?

• Will my visit provide economic support or strain limited resources?

• Am I respecting local requests and boundaries?

• Can I volunteer or contribute to recovery efforts?

As Gionson notes, the goal is to ensure that reopening tourism benefits everyone — not just visitors. Respectful travel, he says, should align with the community’s recovery needs, not compete with them.

Ultimately, “how soon is too soon” depends less on the calendar and more on how visitors choose to show up — with empathy, awareness, and a willingness to help rebuild.

Source: BBC – How soon is too soon to visit after a disaster?

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A devastating earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, intensifying the suffering in a country already reeling from years of civil war. The 7.7 magnitude quake hit the heart of a conflict-torn nation, further isolating Myanmar, which had already been struggling with disrupted communications and transportation. As rescue operations struggle to gain ground, voices from the rubble are starting to emerge, revealing a story of desperation, loss, and a glimmer of hope amidst devastation.

Myanmar has been embroiled in a brutal civil war since the military junta seized power in a 2021 coup. Pro-democracy fighters and ethnic rebel groups have fought back against the regime, leaving the country divided and vulnerable. Now, just as things seemed at their worst, the natural disaster has piled on fresh misery.

The earthquake struck in the middle of this ongoing conflict, further complicating efforts to provide relief. The military government has reported over 1,600 deaths, but experts warn that the true toll could be much higher. Given the ongoing communications breakdown and the scale of destruction, it may take weeks for the full impact to be known.

As reports began trickling in from the epicenter of the quake, the city of Mandalay – Myanmar’s former royal capital and home to over 1.5 million people – emerged as the hardest-hit area. Known for its Buddhist monasteries and historical sites, Mandalay saw its infrastructure collapse under the intense force of the earthquake, which released energy equivalent to “334 atomic bombs,” according to one geologist.

Residents recalled the chaos as buildings crumbled and roads were ruptured. “It hit very strong and very fast,” said a woman from Mandalay, describing the terrifying moment her grandmother was trapped under debris. “The door couldn’t open as a fence had collapsed onto it. I shouted for help, and my husband managed to open it just in time.”

As the earth shook, residents frantically tried to rescue loved ones, often with nothing but their hands. A former lawyer in Mandalay told CNN that three members of his wife’s family had been killed. “We haven’t been able to recover their bodies,” he said, overwhelmed by grief and helplessness.

Mandalay’s mosques, busy with Friday prayers, were also hit. “When the buildings collapsed, many Muslims were trapped inside,” one man recalled. “There are more than a hundred injured.”

Across the Irrawaddy River in Sagaing region, a more rural area of Myanmar, the destruction continued. Many homes there are made from wood and thatch, which are more likely to survive earthquakes. Yet, in some areas, buildings were still destroyed, leaving survivors in urgent need of medical care.

Nang Aye Yin, a resident of Sagaing, spoke of the collapse of a nunnery where his relative was studying. “Luckily, no one died, but two were badly wounded,” he said. “One niece lost three toes, and another nun suffered severe head injuries.”

Hospitals in both Sagaing and Mandalay were overwhelmed with casualties and turned many away. “They’re already at full capacity,” Nang said. “We were forced to wait for care.”

Meanwhile, survivors and rescue teams have voiced frustration over the lack of heavy machinery and military support for recovery efforts. “There’s too much rubble, and no rescue teams have come for us,” one Mandalay survivor told Reuters.

In an unprecedented move, Myanmar’s military junta has appealed for foreign aid. Historically, the junta has resisted international assistance, opting instead to minimize the impact of disasters. This time, however, the scale of the destruction has forced their hand.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing visited Mandalay on Saturday to assess the damage. Shortly after, neighboring countries, including China, Singapore, Malaysia, India, and Russia, announced plans to send rescue teams and supplies.

In an unusual turn, Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government (NUG), a group formed by deposed lawmakers, declared a two-week pause in military operations. This “temporary ceasefire” aims to allow humanitarian relief efforts to take precedence. The NUG called on all ethnic groups and citizens to cooperate in rescue operations, providing much-needed relief to the victims.

The earthquake that struck Myanmar is the most powerful in a century. Experts explained that the rupture, which lasted a full minute, released immense energy, causing dramatic sideways movements on the ground. “Think of a piece of paper tearing,” said James Jackson from the University of Cambridge, describing the force that sent shockwaves across the country.

Despite its magnitude, the quake was not entirely unexpected. It occurred along the Sagaing Fault, a major geological fault line that has historically been the site of large earthquakes.

As the dust settles, Myanmar faces an uncertain future. The government, already stretched thin by internal conflict, is struggling to provide adequate relief to the tens of thousands affected by the quake. Meanwhile, the resistance forces and civilian groups are stepping in to fill the gaps, offering what help they can in the absence of military support.

For the people of Mandalay and beyond, the road to recovery will be long and filled with challenges. But amidst the destruction, the resilience of the Myanmar people shines through, as they continue to search for survivors and rebuild their shattered communities.

Source: CNN – Voices are starting to emerge from quake devastated Myanmar. Here’s what we are hearing

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Nic Arnzen can easily recognize fellow victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. “We have the same look in our eyes, the same zombie-like walk,” he reflects.

Arnzen’s home in Altadena, a diverse community in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, was devoured by the Eaton Fire. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in the region, he estimates, and “half of them won’t have a home to come back to.” The destruction is staggering. As a member of the Altadena Town Council, Arnzen calls it “unimaginable.”

The wildfires, among the most devastating and costly in California’s history, have destroyed over 60 square miles and claimed at least 27 lives. For survivors like Arnzen, a haunting question lingers: What’s next? Should they rebuild in a fire-prone area or leave in search of safer ground?

The Changing Face of Wildfire Risk

California has long been wildfire territory, but climate change has turned up the heat—literally. “Fire is a part of living here,” says Kaitlyn Trudeau, senior researcher at Climate Central, a non-profit focused on climate research.

However, as Trudeau points out, fire behavior is evolving. Hotter, drier conditions fueled by the climate crisis have created more volatile fires. This year’s LA fires were supercharged by a deadly combination: powerful Santa Ana winds and “weather whiplash,” a phenomenon where extreme wet winters are followed by parched, dry conditions. This cycle amplifies the risk, particularly in sprawling neighborhoods that edge into fire-prone wildlands.

The fires did more than just destroy homes—they incinerated schools, daycare centers, grocery stores, and workplaces, severing ties that hold communities together. For many, life in LA’s fire zone now feels increasingly untenable.

Rebuilding or Moving On?

The question of whether to stay or leave is deeply personal and incredibly complex. Jesse Keenan, associate professor of sustainable real estate and urban planning at Tulane University, explains that decisions about where to live depend on a web of factors: family ties, jobs, affordability, and the psychological weight of starting over.

The Immediate Aftermath

In the short term, many wildfire survivors lean on family, friends, or local resources to stay nearby. Jeremy Porter, head of climate implications at First Street Foundation, suggests that most displaced residents will eventually return to their communities, driven by deep-rooted connections.

However, returning isn’t easy for everyone:

• Renters face a grim reality. California’s already overheated housing market will now grapple with the strain of even fewer affordable homes.
• Homeowners face lengthy waits for insurance claims, and payouts often fall short of rebuilding costs. Keenan warns that labor shortages will make rebuilding slow and expensive.

In some cases, rebuilding may not even be allowed. The state might step in to create fire buffer zones, preventing reconstruction in the most vulnerable areas.

The Hidden Costs of Wildfires

Rebuilding is only part of the equation. Toxic contamination from chemicals released during the fires poses a long-term health risk, particularly to children. Meanwhile, California’s worsening insurance crisis threatens to leave homeowners in limbo.

“Many homeowners will no longer be able to make the economics of home ownership work,” Porter explains. Rising insurance costs could force more people to sell, often to predatory property buyers who rebuild higher-end homes, further exacerbating inequality. Keenan calls it “climate gentrification,” where displaced residents are priced out as wealthier newcomers move in.

Seeking Safety Elsewhere

Some residents, traumatized by repeated disasters, may choose to leave California altogether. Climate scientist Peter Kalmus made that choice in 2022, leaving Altadena for Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “It felt like heat waves, drought, and fires were getting worse,” he says, though he acknowledges that no place is truly safe from climate change.

Lower-risk areas like Buffalo, Detroit, and parts of Ohio are gaining attention as “climate havens” due to their ample water and lower fire and heat risks. However, as Hurricane Helene’s impact on Asheville, North Carolina, proved, no region is entirely immune to extreme weather.

The Long Road to Recovery

Despite the devastation, many survivors like Arnzen remain determined to rebuild. “I have lost so much that all I can do is focus on and be determined to gain more than I’ve lost,” he says.

Still, the future of wildfire-prone communities hangs in the balance. Repeated disasters could erode infrastructure, reduce local resources, and push more people to reconsider their ties to high-risk areas.

Arnzen knows the fires will come again, but he remains steadfast in his commitment to Altadena. “This was traumatic. This is something we’re going to never recover from,” he admits. Yet, for him, rebuilding is not just about restoring a home but about fortifying a community.

By spotlighting the resilience and challenges of wildfire survivors, Arnzen and others hope to inspire a more sustainable and fire-resilient future. The question now is whether California can rise from the ashes stronger than before.

Source

The post Living on the Edge: How Climate Change Fuels California’s Wildfires appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Firefighters are making significant progress in combating the wildfires sweeping through L.A. County. However, as dangerous fire weather subsides, frustration is mounting among residents eager to return to their neighborhoods and assess the damage to their homes.

Palisades Fire

• Containment: 21% contained as of Wednesday night, up from 19% earlier in the day.
• Damage: 2,747 structures destroyed, with 484 more damaged. These numbers are expected to rise.
• Fatalities: 9 confirmed dead.
• Evacuations: Mandatory evacuation orders for Pacific Palisades, portions of Topanga, and Malibu, stretching from Las Virgenes Road to the 405 Freeway, and from the coastline to Calabasas and the Encino Reservoir.

Eaton Fire

• Containment: 45% contained, an improvement from 35% on Tuesday.
• Damage: 5,356 structures destroyed, 613 damaged.
• Fatalities: 16 confirmed dead.
• Evacuations: Areas under evacuation orders include unincorporated Altadena, Kinneloa Mesa, parts of Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and La Cañada Flintridge.

Firefighters’ Efforts

As winds began to calm, firefighters spent the day reinforcing containment lines and cooling hot spots. This ongoing battle aims to prevent embers from spreading into unburned areas. The two fires have already caused massive destruction, with over 12,000 structures affected, making them some of the deadliest and most damaging wildfires in California’s history.

Frustrations Grow Among Fire Victims

As the fires burn on, residents are voicing increasing frustration over being unable to return to their decimated neighborhoods. Many are eager to assess the damage, yet they are blocked from re-entering their homes until it is deemed safe.

Man Arrested in Little Mountain Fire

A man has been arrested in connection with the Little Mountain fire, which broke out on Wednesday afternoon in San Bernardino County. Fire crews were able to halt its progress before it spread beyond 34 acres.

Impact on Students: Education Disrupted by Fires

Thousands of students in the affected areas are dealing with the disruption of their education. Kira Weibel, an eighth grader who experienced the impacts of both the COVID-19 pandemic and the fires, is just one example of many students whose lives have been upended by these historic calamities. Schools have been closed, extracurricular activities canceled, and many are now grappling with loss and displacement.

Parking Enforcement Relaxed Amid Fires

With the fires raging across Los Angeles County, parking enforcement has been temporarily lifted to allow for easier access for firefighting efforts. However, residents are still cautioned not to park in restricted areas, as enforcement will resume once the crisis passes.

DWP Workers Threatened Amid Fire Efforts

Two incidents involving threats against Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) employees were reported after the Palisades fire. On Wednesday afternoon, an employee working on a downed electrical pole was threatened with bodily harm. Police were dispatched to investigate.

Palisades High School Forced to Move Classes Online

Due to fire damage, Palisades Charter High School has been forced to conduct classes online while searching for a temporary facility. Nearly 40% of the campus was either damaged or destroyed in the fire. Principal Pamela Magee stated that, although the main campus building remains intact, its condition renders it unusable for now.

Mayor Karen Bass Pledges Rebuilding Support

During a visit to the Disaster Recovery Center in West Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass spoke to fire victims and vowed to expedite the rebuilding process. She emphasized that those wishing to rebuild their homes should not be burdened by time-consuming permitting procedures. The center is run by FEMA and located in the former Westside Pavilion shopping mall.

As Los Angeles works through the devastation caused by these wildfires, the focus remains on both immediate relief efforts and long-term rebuilding for those who have lost everything.

Source

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Overview

As wildfires continue to rage across Southern California, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued its highest-level red flag warning early Tuesday, affecting parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Dangerous wind gusts and dry conditions are fueling the fires, which have caused widespread devastation.

Key Highlights

• Auto Fire: 25% contained as of Tuesday afternoon after burning 56 acres.
• Palisades Fire: Over 23,000 acres burned, with 17% containment.
• Eaton Fire: Covers 14,000 acres, 35% contained.
• Hurst Fire: 97% contained at 799 acres.

Timeline of Events

Tuesday, Jan. 9

• 2:10 p.m.: Fire crews halted the forward progress of the Auto Fire in Ventura County.
• 4:00 a.m.: NWS’s “particularly dangerous situation” warning went into effect. Gusts of 45–70 mph and low humidity could cause rapid fire growth.

Monday, Jan. 8

• 11:45 p.m.: Auto Fire began in Ventura County, named after nearby auto dealerships.
• 9:00 p.m.: LA Department of Water and Power (LADWP) warned of potential 48-hour power outages.
• 8:45 p.m.: Federal and local support announced:
  • President Biden approved $770 payments for wildfire victims.
  • Governor Newsom proposed $2.5 billion in disaster funding.
• 2:00 p.m.: District Attorney charged nine individuals with looting and arson.
• 7:40 a.m.: Palisades Fire grew to 23,713 acres, with 14% containment.
• 7:00 a.m.: FEMA confirmed a 6-month debris removal program.

Sunday, Jan. 7

• 10:30 p.m.: 33,000 homes remained without power.
• 6:02 a.m.: FEMA warned of worsening winds, potentially hampering firefighting efforts.

Key Stats as of Sunday

• Deaths: 24 (including a former child actor and a Malibu surfer).
• Missing: 23 individuals near the Eaton and Palisades fires.
• Arrests: 34 (looting, curfew violations, and drone-related offenses).

Friday, Jan. 5

• 8:00 a.m.: Palisades Fire grew to over 20,000 acres, while the Eaton Fire expanded to nearly 14,000 acres.
• 9:30 a.m.: President Biden described Los Angeles as a “war zone” and warned of a rising death toll.

Government Actions

• Federal Support:
  • FEMA will fully fund response costs for 180 days, covering debris removal and sheltering.
  • Biden approved California’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration.
• State Initiatives:
  • Newsom declared a state of emergency, urging residents to follow evacuation orders.
  • $2.5 billion proposed for disaster recovery and response efforts.

Notable Incidents

• Thursday, Jan. 4:
  • A firefighting plane was grounded after being hit by a civilian drone.
  • National Guard deployed 8,000 members to assist with firefighting and prevent looting.

Safety Measures

1. Evacuation Orders:
   • Active in several regions, with officials planning phased returns after winds subside.
2. Power Outages:
   • Ongoing assessments by LADWP for restoration efforts.
3. Air Quality Alerts:
   • PM 2.5 pollutant levels reached 165 in Los Angeles, deemed “unhealthy.”

Current Containment Progress

• Auto Fire: 25% contained.
• Palisades Fire: 17% contained, largest fire at 23,000+ acres.
• Eaton Fire: 35% contained.
• Hurst Fire: 97% contained.

Ongoing Risks

• Strong wind gusts and low humidity remain a threat.
• Additional power outages and new fire outbreaks are possible.

Stay Updated: Follow local alerts, evacuation orders, and safety guidelines as conditions evolve.

Source

The post California Wildfires: Auto Fire Progresses Amid Severe Conditions appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.