Wildfires in California still raging; Claim at least 63 lives

Washington, November 17: In the US, the deadliest wildfire in California's history has claimed at least 63 lives and left more than 600 people missing, as firefighters gained ground in containing and suppressing the flames.

 

Some 500 rescue workers continued to sift through debris for missing people in and around the northern town of Paradise, one week after the deadly blaze, known as the Camp Fire, erupted and quickly raced through the town. Nearly 12,000 structures, including at least 9,700 homes, have been destroyed.

The blaze forced the evacuation of some 52,000 people who are staying in shelters. Schools across the San Francisco Bay Area were closed yesterday as winds carried smoke from the wildfires.

San Francisco International Airport said, nearly 200 flights have been delayed because of low visibility and smoke.

The staggering toll was announced as President Trump made plans to visit California to meet with people affected by the wildfires. It would mark his second trip as president to the nation’s most populous state.

The fire is also causing a major public health problem as smoke choked huge swaths of Northern California, including Sacramento and the Bay Area. Dozens of schools across the region canceled classes as authorities urged residents to remain indoors.