President-elect Donald Trump warned that the death toll from the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles would likely rise as authorities search through the wreckage. At least 24 people have already died, and thousands of homes have been destroyed since the fires started last Tuesday. Firefighters are still working to control the flames.
Trump, who criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom’s response to the fires, stated that the current death count is probably only a small portion of the actual toll. As first responders continue to search through the ruins, they are using cadaver-sniffing dogs to help find more victims. “Only the dogs will find them. German Shepherds can detect ashes instantly. It’s amazing,” Trump said. He expects the death toll to increase significantly as the search continues.
Trump was deeply shocked by the scale of the destruction caused by the fires. He is reportedly considering visiting California to see the damage firsthand. He compared the devastation to a nuclear attack, saying, “It’s greater damage than if they got hit by a nuclear weapon. I’ve never seen anything like it. Miles and miles of houses burned to the ground. There’s nothing left standing.”
The wildfires have destroyed more than 40,000 acres of land and over 12,000 structures, including entire neighborhoods. The damage is widespread, with whole areas reduced to ashes. Firefighters are still struggling to control the fires, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
After the fires are under control, Trump plans to help rebuild the area, drawing on his experience as a real estate developer. He said, “We’re going to do things with Los Angeles. I’m already putting my developer cap on because it looks far worse than what you see on television. It’s unbelievable.”
Trump’s response to the disaster has drawn attention, and his plans for recovery could involve rebuilding and developing the affected areas, using his skills in real estate.
