ISTANBUL, Jan 10 (Bernama-AA) -- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Friday extended its condolences to people affected by the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles, calling the situation a "terrible" tragedy, Anadolu Agency reported.
"WMO sends condolences to all those affected by the terrible wildfires in Los Angeles," spokesperson Clare Nullis told a UN press briefing in Geneva.
Emphasising their devastating impact on health, air quality, human life, ecosystems, and the local economy, she said: "This event is extraordinary in that it is impacting one of the largest cities in the United States."
Citing warnings issued by the US National Weather Service's Los Angeles office for areas affected by the fires, Nullis said strong winds are expected to accelerate the fires’ spread, raising the risks in some regions.
Nullis also highlighted that Los Angeles had received below-average rainfall since late last year, with dry soil and strong winds being key factors intensifying the fires.
Los Angeles is in the midst of a historic firestorm that has ravaged local communities.
The largest inferno has burned 17,234 acres in and around the upscale Pacific Palisades neighbourhood near the coast.
Further inland, the Eaton Fire has burned 10,600 acres in the foothills in and around the city of Altadena, northeast of downtown Los Angeles.
Both of those fires are 0 per cent contained amid strong winds that have fueled the infernos and sent burning hot embers shooting through the air.
Three other smaller fires – the Hurst, Lidia and Sunset fires – are also burning in the LA area.
Firefighters have been able to bring the Lidia Fire under 60 per cent control while evacuation orders in the Hollywood Hills were lifted Thursday morning as efforts to gain control of the Sunset Fire gained momentum.
-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU
