Japan To Provide US$2 Million In Aid For California Wildfire Relief

TOKYO, Jan 15 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- Japan announced on Wednesday a contribution of US$2 million in aid to California to support recovery efforts following recent wildfires that claimed dozens of lives and caused catastrophic damage.

The assistance will be channelled through the United States-based American Red Cross to provide relief to disaster victims, Kyodo news agency reported, citing the Foreign Ministry.

According to a ministry official, the funds will be used to establish evacuation centres, provide food and offer psychological support to those affected by the fires in the US Pacific coast state.

"Japan will actively provide assistance for the relief of the victims and the earliest possible recovery of the affected areas," the official said.

The wildfires, which have devastated several suburban areas of Los Angeles since Jan 7, have left more than 20 dead and 30 missing as of Tuesday morning, according to local authorities.

Dry conditions and strong winds have fuelled the fires, which remain out of control, prompting evacuation orders for approximately 88,000 residents.

In areas such as Pacific Palisades and Altadena, more than 12,000 buildings have been damaged, and over 150 square kilometres of land have been burned.

-- BERNAMA-KYODO