US President Joe Biden on Monday said he was "saddened" by the 24 deaths and the widespread destruction caused by fires in Los Angeles County, now in their seventh day.
Mr Biden added that "our hearts ache" for the "innocent souls" lost in the wildfires that have destroyed large parts of the second largest US city.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said that at least 23 people are missing.
Mr Biden said that “hundreds of federal personnel and unique federal aerial and ground support” are on the ground to assist firefighting and recovery in California. He said that his administration “remains laser-focused” on helping survivors.
Firefighters from across the US, and from Canada and Mexico, are pushing to make progress before heavy winds arrive in the coming days. The Eaton and Palisades fires are among the most destructive in Californian history.
The Palisades Fire is 14 per cent contained after burning 9,590 hectares of land and the Eaton Fire is 33 per cent contained after blazing through 1,660 hectares, according to the California Forestry and Fire Protection Department.
Fire crews are also battling a third blaze, the Hurst Fire, which is 95 per cent contained.
“To the brave firefighters and first responders working day and night to suppress these fires and save lives: our nation is grateful,” Mr Biden said. “You represent the best of America and we are in your debt.”
Progress has been made, as three other fires in Los Angeles County and its vicinity over the past week have been extinguished.
Most schools reopened on Monday, the number of people under evacuation orders has dropped under 100,000, and more buildings have regained electricity.
“We are not in the clear as of yet and we must not let our guard down,” Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley told reporters.
The National Weather Service issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warning for Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties from Monday night to Wednesday morning.
“These locations will be under a high risk for large fires with potential for very rapid spreading of any fires that may develop," it said.
Some in the US have made the disaster political, with Republican president-elect Donald Trump posting on Sunday on Truth Social that the fires are “one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our country” and appeared to place blame on current leaders tackling the crisis, most of whom are Democrats.
“They just can't put out the fires. What's wrong with them?” Mr Trump asked.
As fires continue to burn, night-time curfews have been extended and not all residents have been allowed to return home.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to have firefighters clear debris to prevent “heightened risk for mudslides”.
He told NBC News that the city can still host the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, telling reporters: “We already have a team reimagining LA 2.0.”
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
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Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
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Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
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Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
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Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
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GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
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- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
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