International News
Death Toll Rises As Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles
At least 16 people have died in the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, with authorities warning that the death toll may rise as the fires continue to spread.
The devastating blazes have claimed homes, memories, and lives, with many victims succumbing while trying to defend their properties or unable to evacuate in time.
Officials report that identifying victims may take weeks, as traditional methods like fingerprinting and visual recognition are being hampered by the intensity of the fires. Here’s what is known about some of the victims based on family statements and media reports:
Victor Shaw
Victor Shaw, 66, died while trying to save his family’s home in Altadena. His body was discovered near the property with a garden hose in his hand, suggesting his desperate attempt to fend off the flames. His sister, Shari, who evacuated due to the “firestorm,” mourned his loss, saying, “I’ll miss talking to him, joking about, travelling with him and I’ll just miss him to death.”
Randall “Randy” Miod
Randall Miod, 55, perished in his Malibu home. According to his mother, Carol Smith, he was determined to protect the house he had cherished for decades. “That’s the one and only house he ever owned,” she said, reflecting on the memories tied to the property.
READ MORE: FG Set To Launch Three Major Cancer Treatment Centers
Anthony Mitchell and Justin Mitchell
Anthony Mitchell, 67, and his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy, died in their Altadena home as they tried to escape the encroaching flames. Mitchell’s daughter, Hajime White, recounted his final call, where he said, “The fire’s in the yard.” The family described the heartbreaking loss of a father of four, grandfather of 11, and great-grandfather of 10.
Rodney Nickerson
Eighty-three-year-old Rodney Nickerson also died at his Altadena home. Despite warnings to evacuate, he believed the fire would pass, telling his daughter Kimiko, “I’ll be here tomorrow.”
Annette Rossilli
Annette Rossilli, 85, refused to leave her Pacific Palisades home, staying with her five pets. Firefighters later found her body in her car. Her family and caregivers described her devotion to her pets and her reluctance to abandon the life she had built there.
Rory Callum Sykes
Australian citizen Rory Sykes, 32, died in the Palisades fire. His mother, Shelley, recounted their struggle to escape as she attempted to lift her son, who had cerebral palsy. “No mum can leave their kid,” she said, mourning the loss of her “baby” who had overcome significant challenges to inspire others as a motivational speaker.
Erliene Kelley
The family of 83-year-old Erliene Kelley confirmed she died after refusing to evacuate her Altadena home. Her granddaughter, Briana Navarro, shared the family’s grief, saying Kelley had believed the fire would not reach her house, as previous ones had not.
Growing Crisis
As firefighters battle the flames and search for survivors, the community is left grappling with immense loss. Officials continue to urge residents to heed evacuation orders, stressing that lives are more important than possessions.
Federal agents raided the Washington, D.C., home of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar early Monday morning as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed.
Homeland Security Investigations agents arrived at the Minnesota congresswoman’s residence at about 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time, according to a report by Fox News.
SEE MORE: Trump Sparks Outrage With Shock Proposal to Rename New Mexico
The report said both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the DOJ are involved in the investigation.
A DOJ spokesperson confirmed the operation, stating: “Today in the Washington, D.C. area, Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorized search warrant secured by the Department of Justice.”
The spokesperson added: “This enforcement action is part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.”
Details later……….
Heavy rains have triggered severe flooding across parts of Bangkok, Thailand, forcing nearly 4,900 residents to evacuate to shelters as floodwaters swept through roads and residential areas.
The flooding has disrupted movement across parts of the Thai capital, with motorists and pedestrians forced to navigate submerged roads and seek alternative routes.
SEE ALSO: NAFDAC Warns Nigerians As Fake Cowbell Milk Floods Market
According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, about 52,000 households have been affected by the flooding, prompting authorities to declare a flood disaster and intensify emergency response efforts.
Emergency teams have been deployed to assist affected communities and move residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations as water levels rise.
Bangkok is accustomed to seasonal heavy rainfall, but intense downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, particularly in low-lying areas, resulting in widespread flooding and disruption.
Authorities are continuing to monitor affected locations while coordinating evacuations and other emergency measures.
For thousands of residents, the immediate priority remains securing safe shelter and protecting homes and livelihoods as authorities work to manage the situation and restore normal activities once the floodwaters recede.
US President Donald Trump has explained his decision to reject Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran was seeking an agreement because it was losing revenue.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran wanted to immediately reopen the strategically important waterway but argued that the proposal was not acceptable to his administration.
“They want to make a deal, and I think that’s fine. I like making a deal, too, but that deal would not be acceptable,” Trump said.
SEE ALSO: How the Strait of Hormuz Attack Could Trigger a Fresh Global Oil Shock
According to the US president, Iran’s push to reopen the strait was driven by the economic pressure it was facing.
“What they want to do is immediately open the Hormuz Strait. Do you know why? Because they are dying,” Trump said.
“You know why they’re dying? Because they have no money coming in, because they get their money from the Hormuz Strait.”
Trump also claimed that the US had established an unprecedented naval blockade against Iran, describing it as “a wall of steel.”
“So they outsmarted themselves. We put up the greatest blockade ever in military history. It’s a wall of steel,” he said.
“And guess what? They don’t have any money now because they wanted to close the strait.”
The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy shipping route, and disruption to traffic through the waterway has significant implications for international oil markets and countries that depend on energy imports.
Trump’s remarks came amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over the reopening of the strategic waterway and negotiations involving Iran.
2027: ‘Algorithms Will Not Decide Election Results’, INEC Chairman Declares
Navy Recovers 98,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude in Rivers
DPRP’s Appeal Against Fuel Import Licence Ruling Earns Stakeholder Backing
State Govs, Wike Endorse One-Party State, Join APC Campaign Council
2027: ‘Tinubu Has Done Well’ – Wike Tells Opposition to Speak the Truth
‘Celebrate This Poor Man’ – Shettima Defends Tinubu Over Economic Crisis
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
