13,000 ordered to evacuate as California combats wildfiresAugust 4, 2015 - 13:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Evacuation orders have been given to 13,000 people in California as firefighters struggle to contain some 20 wildfires. Some 9,000 firefighters worked throughout Monday, Aug 3, in steep terrain and rugged conditions, officials said, according to BBC News. The biggest blaze - the so-called Rocky fire north of San Francisco - has already consumed more than 90 square miles (145sq km) of land. On Monday afternoon the fire jumped a highway that had been containing it. The BBC says that the Rocky fire tripled in size over the weekend, with officials describing its rate of growth as unprecedented. At least 24 homes were destroyed as the blaze was whipped up by winds that fuelled the flames. More than 6,000 properties currently lie in the path of the flames. Four years of drought in the western U.S. have left the landscape tinder dry. Coupled with unseasonably humid conditions, lightning strikes and gusting winds, this has posed a severe challenge for fire fighters and water-dropping aircraft. While some progress has been reported in tackling the blazes, partially due to a slight fall in temperatures, there is no rain forecast. Photo: Reuters Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |