Firefighters are struggling to contain wildfires in Los Angeles that have been raging for seven consecutive days.
Authorities have reported at least 24 fatalities and 16 people still missing due to the fires. California Governor Gavin Newsom described the disaster as potentially the largest natural catastrophe in U.S. history, having destroyed thousands of homes and forced the evacuation of over 100,000 residents.
More than 12,300 structures have been damaged or completely destroyed, according to officials.
The situation is expected to worsen as strong winds, with speeds between 80 and 112 kilometers per hour, began Sunday evening and are forecasted to persist until Wednesday.
Officials have warned the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County to be prepared for potential evacuation orders due to the advancing flames and toxic smoke.
