it will take “tens of billions of dollars” to rebuild, says Joe Biden

The death toll is now 24 from the fires around Los Angeles according to local authorities.

American President Joe Biden affirmed on Monday January 13 that “tens of billions of dollars” will be needed for reconstruction in Los Angeles. Besieged by flames since last Tuesday, the second most populous city in the United States is counting its deaths day after day: the toll increased on Sunday to 24 people dead, according to local authorities.

The efforts deployed by thousands of firefighters, including those from neighboring Mexico, nevertheless made it possible to partially contain the two main fires in recent days. Any return of evacuees was stopped until Thursday because of the wind which was gaining strength, firefighters warned, calling for patience from the tens of thousands of residents waiting in line. “It will cost tens of billions of dollars to restore Los Angeles to the state it was“, declared President Joe Biden, from Washington, during a press conference.

Many residents are beginning to criticize the management of local authorities, firefighters having sometimes had to deal with dry hydrants or with low pressure. Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom asked “a comprehensive independent review” of Los Angeles Water Utilities.