US President Joe Biden has decided to cancel his trip to Italy due to the wildfires in California that have killed at least five people. He has also declared a state of disaster in the state, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement released on Wednesday.
“After returning tonight from Los Angeles, where he met earlier today with police, firefighters, and emergency personnel battling the historic wildfires raging in the area, and following the declaration of a state of disaster in California, President Biden has decided to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to focus on managing the federal response,” the document said.
Biden declared a major disaster in California on January 8. According to the White House press service, this decision opens access to federal funds for those affected in Los Angeles County. As indicated in the document, such assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs that will help individuals and business owners overcome the consequences of a natural disaster. In addition, federal assistance will be available to local authorities, as well as some private non-profit organizations for emergency rescue operations in Los Angeles County. Funds are also allocated for hazard mitigation activities in the state.
The total area of fires in Los Angeles County has reached almost 11 thousand hectares, according to data from the California Fire Service. The fire has destroyed more than 1 thousand buildings and led to the deaths of at least five people. More than 175 thousand electricity customers in the county remain without power.