Los Angeles: The devastating California fires continue to wreak havoc in Southern California, reducing thousands of buildings and large forest areas to ashes. Firefighters, tirelessly battling the flames, received a helping hand from nature as the region experienced its first rainfall of the season.
The light rain, which began Saturday night, is expected to continue for three days, providing a much-needed reprieve for the fire-ravaged areas, including the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County. Crews have been working relentlessly to clear fallen trees and repair damaged roads, while the weather department forecasts that the rain may help prevent new fires.
However, concerns remain as the rain poses the risk of toxic runoff. The National Weather Service has warned of possible debris flows and ash flooding in lower areas due to cloudbursts in the hills. The runoff could carry harmful pollutants such as asbestos, lead, plastic, and chemicals from burnt materials like cars, batteries, and building materials, further impacting the environment.
Local authorities are preparing measures to mitigate the effects of these pollutants, aiming to protect both the environment and public health as the cleanup process begins.
