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The recent wildfires in Los Angeles are projected to become one of the most expensive natural disasters in U.S. history, with losses already exceeding $135 billion and estimates potentially reaching $150 billion, according to AccuWeather. The Palisades and Eaton fires have destroyed over 10,000 structures combined, prompting significant concerns within the insurance industry, which anticipates insured losses exceeding $8 billion. This situation may lead to increased premiums and limited coverage options for homeowners in high-risk areas, pushing many towards state-backed insurance plans, which are often more costly and less comprehensive. The Fair Plan in California has seen a surge in policies since 2020, now exceeding 450,000. Analysts warn that the long-term impacts could affect property values, public finances, and the broader insurance market, with the Los Angeles wildfires likely to surpass the insured costs of the 2018 Camp Fire, currently the most expensive in history. 
Published: Jan 11 2025, 8 pmeznews.inMayotte, the French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, is preparing for a new storm as it recovers from the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in December. A red weather alert will be in effect from 1900 GMT on Saturday, as announced by Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville. He urged residents to seek shelter and prioritize the safety of their families and loved ones. The decision to advance the alert to 10:00 PM aims to ensure that the population is adequately prepared for the impending weather threat. The community remains on high alert as it faces the challenges of another potential storm, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 11 pmeznews.inWildfires raging through Los Angeles have become the most destructive in the city's history, destroying 10,000 structures and leaving thousands homeless. A public health emergency has been declared due to pervasive smoke in the area, with insurers bracing for billions in claims as numerous high-profile residents, including celebrities like Paris Hilton, have lost their homes. Amidst the devastation, David Steiner, a retired waste-management mogul, expressed disbelief that his $9 million Malibu mansion survived the inferno, which engulfed nearby properties. Steiner, whose home was vacant during the fires, described the survival as a "miracle." The wildfires, which have claimed at least 11 lives, have seen six simultaneous blazes sweep through Los Angeles County, with the toll expected to rise as firefighters continue to conduct searches in affected neighborhoods.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 8 pmeznews.inLos Angeles County has been grappling with devastating wildfires for five days, resulting in at least 11 fatalities and extensive damage to thousands of structures, including homes and businesses. While the fires near Malibu have garnered international attention, a significant blaze in Eaton Canyon has severely impacted Altadena, destroying many homes. Amid the destruction, some residents returned to find cherished items among the ruins; six-year-old Henry Giles discovered a toy lawnmower he had hidden, while 52-year-old Larry Villescas salvaged a wedding gift from 25 years ago. As firefighters continue to battle the blaze, which has damaged over 7,000 structures, the wildfires are projected to become one of the costliest disasters in U.S. history, with losses already exceeding $135 billion and potentially reaching $150 billion, according to preliminary estimates.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 8 pmeznews.inElon Musk intensified his feud with former EU digital chief Thierry Breton on Saturday, branding him a "tyrant of Europe" amid a heated online exchange. Musk, a vocal critic of the European Union's digital regulations, accused Brussels of censorship, a sentiment echoed by Meta's Mark Zuckerberg. The clash escalated following Breton's remarks on French television, where he suggested the EU could act to prevent election interference, specifically referencing the far-right German AfD party. Musk responded vehemently, prompting Breton to clarify on social media that the EU has no mechanism to nullify election results, asserting that his comments were misinterpreted. The Digital Services Act (DSA), which Breton referenced, mandates platforms to combat illegal online content. As the EU investigates TikTok for alleged election manipulation in Romania, scrutiny of Musk's X platform continues, raising concerns about its compliance with DSA regulations.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA volcano in eastern Indonesia, Mount Ibu, erupted on Saturday evening, releasing hot lava and a plume of smoke and ash that reached four kilometres (3.1 miles) into the sky. The eruption occurred at 7:45 pm central Indonesia time on Halmahera island in North Maluku province, with lava observed two kilometres from the eruption site, according to Geological Agency head Muhammad Wafid. Images captured at the monitoring post showed a striking column of flame and thick smoke. While the volcano remains at the second highest alert level, no evacuation orders have been issued; however, residents and visitors are advised to stay clear of a four to 5.5-kilometre radius from the peak and to wear masks and goggles due to potential ash fallout. Known for its activity, Ibu erupted over 2,000 times last year, highlighting Indonesia's vulnerability to seismic events as part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire."
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 pmeznews.inFreshwater ecosystems, despite their vital role in supporting over 10% of the world's species and significant economic contributions, are facing alarming biodiversity losses largely overlooked in conservation efforts. A new study published in the journal _Nature_ reveals that one-quarter of freshwater fauna, including fish and dragonflies, are threatened with extinction. The research highlights that between 1970 and 2015, 35% of monitored wetland areas were lost, a rate three times faster than forest loss, with 65% of remaining habitats under moderate to high threat levels. Additionally, 37% of rivers over 1,000 km are no longer fully free-flowing. The authors emphasize the urgent need to shift conservation focus to these critical ecosystems, which, while occupying less than 1% of the Earth's surface, are disproportionately affected by human activity and are essential for global biodiversity.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 pmeznews.inGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of protecting sovereign borders during a recent address to his Social Democrat party, especially in light of US President-elect Donald Trump's controversial comments regarding potential military actions to seize Greenland and control the Panama Canal. Scholz asserted that the principle of inviolable borders applies universally, regardless of a country's size or power, and reiterated that no nation should live in fear of its larger neighbors. He highlighted the significance of this principle in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, stating that it is central to Western values. Scholz's remarks come after Trump’s statements sparked confusion among EU leaders, prompting Scholz to call a press conference to address the situation and underscore the necessity of mutual respect among nations.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA 31-year-old Chinese actor, Wang Xing, was rescued from a scam centre in Myanmar after going missing during a trip to Thailand. His girlfriend's social media plea on Weibo gained significant traction, prompting government intervention, leading to his rescue on January 7. Wang had been lured to Thailand under the guise of a lucrative acting opportunity, only to find himself kidnapped and forced to participate in online scams. He reported that around 50 other Chinese nationals were also held at the facility, which is linked to organized crime. Following his rescue, Wang's case has raised concerns about the safety of others still trapped in similar situations, as Thai police investigate additional disappearances of Chinese nationals at the border. The China Federation of Radio and Television Association expressed alarm over actors falling victim to such scams, highlighting the need for increased awareness and protection.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a chilling revelation, Caroline Darian, daughter of Dominique Pelicot, who was sentenced to 20 years for drugging and enabling the rape of his ex-wife, Gisele Pelicot, has expressed her belief that her father "should die in prison." In her first television interview since the trial, Darian described Pelicot, 72, as a "dangerous man" and a "sexual pervert," asserting that he consciously chose to inflict harm. Gisele Pelicot, who bravely waived her right to a closed trial, has been commended for her courage. Darian also shared her own traumatic experience, alleging that she was drugged and raped by her father, a claim he denied during the trial. The interview precedes a documentary she will narrate, focusing on drug-facilitated sexual abuse, which will feature testimonies from other victims. The case has sparked outrage and raised awareness about the horrors of sexual violence in France.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 5 pm
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