Several Kenyans have been directly affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles California, according to latest reports.
A statement by the Consul General of the Republic of Kenya in Los Angeles, Ezra Chiloba, revealed that at least two Kenyan families were forced to evacuate their homes as a result of the calamity.
“Following our first update, we are aware that two Kenyan families have evacuated their homes as a result of the wildfires,” the statement read. “While no additional evacuations have been reported within our community, we strongly urge all Kenyans in Los Angeles to remain vigilant.
Further, Kenyans who happen to be in the inferno-stricken city were urged to consistently monitor updates from local authorities and follow evacuation instructions promptly.
Consul General of the Republic of Kenya in Los Angeles, California in the United States Ezra Chiloba. PHOTO/ Courtesy.
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The consulate further urged anyone who has a relative affected by the fires to reach out to the consulate via cg@kenyanconsulata.go.ke.
An update from the Kenyan Consulate came hours after Kenyan journalist Mukurima X Muriuki went on social media to express concern over the welfare of Kenyans in Los Angeles.
“There is a Kenyan consulate in Los Angeles but zero communication from his office. Not that it matters, but you never know,” he posted on Saturday, January 11.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, approximately 2,000 Kenyans are living in Los Angeles County.
The LA fires have left destruction worth billions of dollars, with at least 16 people confirmed to have been killed as of Sunday, January 12.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, approximately 2,000 Kenyans live in Los Angeles County. No deaths of any Kenyans in the US have been reported.
A key factor that has made it more difficult to contain the inferno is the presence of strong winds and challenging weather conditions which the weatherman continues to forecast in the days ahead.
Besides the two Kenyan families, thousands of others have been subjected to a mandatory evacuation. At least 100,000 people have been forced to ditch their homes, with the fires in the northeast area of LA near Pasadena and the coastal community of Pacific Palisades.
On social media, President William Ruto issued a statement on Sunday with a message of condolences to everyone affected by the LA fires.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and with all the people of the United States of America as they rally to the aid of their compatriots,” the President said, adding “We trust that the indomitable spirit of the American people, anchored in the powerful values that we share, will inspire them with the resilience and determination to recover from the tragedy and emerge even stronger in days to come.”
The trail of destruction left behind by LA wildfires. PHOTO/ Courtesy.