Filipinos affected by LA wildfires appeal for help

LOS ANGELES, CA - Filipinos and Filipino Americans affected by the widespread wildfires in Los Angeles, California, are appealing for help.

Among them is "Mang Jhun," whose house burned down and is currently seeking shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center.

“Sa ngayon po wala po talaga kamin napakinabangan sa aming mga ari-arian. Sinabi lang ho saakin kagabi na may naamoy siyang usok tapos ng nag check ako sa labas nasusunog na yung likuran namin. which is the mountain pero hindi pa kami lumikas kasi malayo pa sa amin," he recalled. 

(Everything was destroyed. I was just told last night that there was a burning smell. When I checked outside, we saw the fire on the mountains. We did not evacuate because it was still far.)

"Palibhasa malakas ang hangin, kaya ang apoy ay biglang lumaki," he added. 

(The strong winds made the fire spread faster.)

Firefighters, including air support, also had difficulty reaching the fire site due to the intensity of the winds.

"Marami po bumbero sa lugar pero hindi po sila makapagboma ng tubig sa lakas ng hangin,” said Mang Jhun.

(There are many firefighters in the area, but they cannot pump water because of the strong breeze.)

He is now appealing for help, not only for his family but also for all those affected by the fire.

“Kami po ay nangangailangan ng tulong para ho sa atin ding mga kababayan na nasalanta ng sunog dito sa Pasadena. Kahit ho mga kasuotan o kaya gamot, pagkain ,at saka po matitirahan yan pa ang kailangan na kailangan.”

(We need help, all of us who were devastated by the fire here in Pasadena. We need clothes, medicine, food, and a place to stay.)

JollyBox Global, a non-profit Filipino organization, is providing assistance to those affected by the fire.

They are asking for food, water, clothes, and affordable rooms for rent for those affected by the fire.

Impact

As of now, 16,000 acres have burned, and the fire continues to spread uncontrollably.

More than 1,000 firefighters are working together to fight the fire, while other firefighters from neighboring California states are heading to Los Angeles to assist.

More than 1,000 homes have already been reported as destroyed.

Five people have been reported dead, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone.

The Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles has not yet determined how many Filipinos have been affected by the ongoing wildfire, which has already engulfed many homes in Los Angeles County.

According to the Public Diplomacy & Information Section of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, they have not yet received any requests for assistance but are closely monitoring the situation.

"At this time, the Consulate General has not received any request for assistance from any Filipino affected by the wildfires. The Consulate General continues to coordinate closely with local authorities and monitor the situation of Filipino nationals in affected areas,” the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles told GMA Integrated News.

—VAL, GMA Integrated News