PH Consulate offers aid to Filipinos amid LA wildfires 

The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles has offered assistance to Filipinos affected by the widespread wildfires in the southern portion of California. 

“The Consulate is coordinating with local authorities and closely monitoring the situation of Filipino nationals in the affected areas. Filipino nationals requiring the Consulate’s assistance may call (323) 528-1528,” the Consulate said in an advisory on Thursday. 

Several Filipinos and Filipino-Americans affected by the wildfires have appealed for help. 

“The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles advises the Filipino community in the areas affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles County (Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, Woodley Fire), Riverside County (Tyler Fire), and Ventura County (Olivas Fire) to check local advisories, undertake necessary preparations, and adhere to evacuation orders,” the advisory added.

The diplomatic post added that the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has reported that wildfires in Palisades (near Malibu) and in Eaton (centered near Pasadena) have expanded to more than 10,000 acres each as of mid-day of January 8 due to Santa Ana winds, or strong, dry winds that affect coastal Southern California. 

Over 1,000 firefighters are working to extinguish the fires that have already destroyed more than 1,000 homes as reported. 

The Consulate earlier said that it has yet to determine how many Filipinos were affected, adding that its Public Diplomacy & Information Section has also not yet received any requests for assistance. —Vince Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News