News ID : 208263
Publish Date : 1/12/2025 6:39:11 PM
The Los Angeles wildfire losses exceed those of over 10 years of war in Syria

The Los Angeles wildfire losses exceed those of over 10 years of war in Syria

The Los Angeles wildfire damages have exceeded 10 billion dollars in less than 10 days; a figure which has crossed the damages of the more than decade-long war in Syria and has made the catastrophe a benchmark for global crisis comparison.

Nournews: The U.S. government’s failure and poor management in controlling the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles in recent days have caused mass losses, symbolizing the weaknesses of structural and executive structures and lack of coordination among different federal and state sections of the government of the United States.

This catastrophe that has destroyed more than 10,000 houses and caused between 135 to 150 billion dollars’ worth of damages, has displayed significant aspects of failure in the U.S. government in handling crises. Federal and state officials must have close and efficient collaboration in such a crisis. However, the collaboration has been so weak that it has led to delays in the allocation of resources and vital aid.

Weakness in providing security and looting

In addition to problems related to fire control, another weakness that has been strongly highlighted is the lack of ability to establish security in damaged areas. Various reports and images showing looting of residential buildings and trade places in Los Angeles indicate that aside from the wildfire crisis, security challenges have involved the city very seriously. The looting and thefts show the weakness of the police and security forces in maintaining order and security during a crisis. In other words, under such conditions, not only have firefighters and relief works faced problems, but also providing security and preventing the escalation of the crisis have been neglected.

Transfer of firefighting equipment to Ukraine

The weakness in providing security and coordination for addressing crisis becomes more serious when we consider the released reports by American media showing the transfer of Los Angeles firefighting equipment to Ukraine.

Media have reported that in the years 2022 and 2023, Los Angeles authorities have sent firefighting equipment from the city to Ukraine, while such equipment could be used for addressing domestic crises. The decision, which somehow indicates the government’s priorities, has directly affected firefighting abilities in addressing domestic crises and has caused a lack of availability of equipment when facing widespread wildfires in the city.

Comparing damages: Los Angeles Vs. global crises

Comparing the damages of such a crisis with other crises is noteworthy. The initial estimates of losses from the Syria war, which lasted more than a decade, have been put at about 100 billion dollars. This is while the Los Angeles damages in less than 10 days have crossed 150 billion dollars. The comparison shows that natural crises can cause widespread economic and humanitarian losses that can go beyond war crises.

Meanwhile, some Los Angeles authorities have compared the condition of the crisis to an atomic attack. The chief of police has described the destruction of the suburbs as “being hit with an atomic bomb.” This comparison not only shows the depth of the devastation but also its severity and spread.

The continuation of extended wildfires in Los Angeles and the failure of the government in controlling the fire show the weakness in coordination, crisis management, and providing security in the United States. Such a crisis not only causes heavy financial and humanitarian losses but also exposes structural weaknesses and governmental decision-making failures.

 


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