Los Angeles reconstruction requires ‘tens of billions of dollars’

US President Joe Biden announced Monday that reconstruction in Los Angeles after severe damage caused by wildfires raging since last week in the big city will require “tens of billions of dollars.”
The outgoing president said that “returning Los Angeles to what it was will cost tens of billions of dollars,” at a time when the largest cities in California are preparing for the return of high winds, which threatens to fuel forest fires that have killed at least 24 people.

Firefighters in Los Angeles continued on Monday to fight massive forest fires raging in the American city, which have claimed the lives of at least 24 people, while officials warned of coming winds that could fan the flames.
Fires are sweeping the second largest city in the United States for the seventh day in a row, with entire residential complexes turning into mere burning rubble, leading to the displacement of thousands.
The large number of people suddenly needing accommodation has become a major problem for the city, with reports emerging that some are exploiting the crisis to raise rents.

California Governor Gavin Newsom pledged that the city would be rebuilt, speaking of a “Marshall Plan” for it, in reference to the American support that helped Europe rise after World War II.
Some will be compensated for their valuables that were destroyed by the fire.
For example, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach promised American swimming champion Gary Hall Jr. that he would receive replacements for the medals he won and lost in the fire.

President-elect Donald Trump accused California officials of incompetence despite the heroic operation to put out the fire, which has not subsided over the 24 hours since the fire broke out.
These efforts were strengthened on Sunday with the arrival of teams from Mexico.
They join teams from across California and western states in the United States who have come to help.