Israeli humanitarian organization IsraAID announced on Friday its plans to launch an emergency response to the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, California. The blazes, which began on Tuesday, have claimed 16 lives, destroyed over 10,000 homes and structures, and forced the evacuation of approximately 180,000 residents.
"IsraAID’s Emergency Team is actively assessing the situation and preparing to respond as soon as the fires are contained," the organization stated. "We will work alongside local partners to provide critical support to individuals whose homes and lives have been upended by this tragedy." As of Sunday, firefighting operations were still ongoing, with containment efforts yet to succeed.
IsraAID plans to deploy a specialized emergency response team, comprising Israeli volunteers and humanitarian professionals, to assist affected communities. The team will focus on recovery and rebuilding efforts, with final plans set to be confirmed after the fires are brought under control and the full extent of the damage is evaluated.
The organization highlighted its extensive experience in disaster response across the United States, citing previous partnerships with Team Rubicon, a veterans-based disaster relief group. In 2022, IsraAID joined Team Rubicon in responding to Hurricane Ian in Florida. Similarly, in 2018, IsraAID supported survivors of the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, offering long-term psychosocial aid to community members and first responders.
"Since 2017, IsraAID has assisted communities impacted by hurricanes in Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico, as well as several wildfire disasters in California," the statement added. "Our ongoing commitment to providing relief in times of crisis reflects the enduring bonds between IsraAID, its partners, and the communities we serve."
* Arutz 7 contributed to this article.
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