"It Looks Like an Atomic Bomb Dropped"...Sighs Over the Scene of LA Swept by Wildfire

Death Toll Rises to 10
Crimes Such as Looting Occur... Curfew Imposed

Satellite images showing the before and after of a house fire in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, USA. Photo by Maxa, Yonhap News.

A wildfire in Los Angeles (LA), USA, has been ongoing for four days, causing expanding damage. More than 10,000 buildings have been lost due to the wildfire, and the death toll has risen to 10. Amid the chaos caused by the large wildfire, crime is also spreading. In some areas, looting incidents have occurred, leading to the imposition of a curfew.

As of the 10th (local time), according to CNN, Reuters, and AP News, the area consumed by the flames has reached approximately 145㎢. This is 50 times the size of Yeouido (2.9㎢).

As the fire spreads, the scale of damage is also increasing. More than 10,000 homes and buildings have been destroyed by the largest fires, the 'Palisades Fire' and the 'Eaton Fire,' with the death toll reaching 10. LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said, "It feels like an atomic bomb has dropped," and predicted that the damage could increase further.

Satellite images of the LA fire site released by the American private satellite imaging company Maxar show that the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood on the West Coast has suffered significant damage from the wildfire. The satellite images show the flames sweeping through the Palisades residential area.

Amid the chaotic situation, the number of criminals attempting looting is also increasing. According to AP News, at least 20 people have been arrested on looting charges, and the city of Santa Monica announced a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. considering the lawlessness. The National Guard was also mobilized from the evening of the 9th to maintain security in the wildfire area.

Meanwhile, aid efforts to help those affected by the LA wildfires continue. Jos? Andr?s, founder of the international relief organization World Central Kitchen (WCK), set up a food truck near the Palisades fire site. He said, "Whether rich or poor, at this moment, everyone needs support and love." Jamie Lee Curtis, an actor who won an Oscar in 2023, announced that she would donate $100 (approximately 1.46 billion KRW) for relief activities.