In a heartfelt letter to outgoing US President Joe Biden, Prince Albert II of Monaco expressed his profound sorrow over the devastating wildfires engulfing the city of Los Angeles. He extended his condolences to the people of California, acknowledging the massive human and material toll of the disaster, which Gavin Newsom, the state’s governor, has called the worst disaster in US history.
Barely a week after his letter regarding the attack on the city of New Orleans, Prince Albert II, who is half-American through his late mother, Grace Kelly, has written again to President Biden to convey his sorrow over the latest tragedy to strike the US—the vast outbreak of wildfires in and around Los Angeles.
“I am deeply moved by the tragic consequences of the multiple wildfires currently ravaging California. The human and material losses are devastating,” the Prince’s letter reads. “On behalf of my family and the people of Monaco, I wish to express our heartfelt solidarity and compassion to the victims, the homeless and those who have been evacuated.”
Prince Albert also commended the bravery of the firefighters and rescue workers who are still battling the blazes, which are being fanned by high winds.
“I also want to commend the incredible work of the firefighters and the rescue teams, whose courage and unwavering commitment are a true example of dedication,” he wrote.
In closing, the Prince extended a hand of friendship and support to Americans during this challenging time, adding, “Please be assured, Mr. President, of our profound solidarity in this difficult ordeal.”
24 people have lost their lives in the fires, according to the latest media reports, while another 16 remain missing. As of the morning of Monday 13th January, 14,000 firefighters, 84 aircraft and 1,354 fire engines were deployed across southern California.
Approximately 105,000 Los Angeles residents remain under mandatory evacuation orders, with a further 87,000 under evacuation warnings. An estimated 12,000 structures, including homes and commercial properties, have been destroyed.
Over the weekend, Accuweather estimated that the financial losses from the fires could range between $250 billion and $275 billion.
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Photos source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection