Many Filipinos in Los Angeles are under mandatory evacuation orders by local officials amid the wildfires that have blazed whole communities in the city, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito Cruz said on Saturday, Jan. 11.
LONELY RIDE – Two people ride bicycles amid the destruction left behind by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP)
In an interview on dzBB, the official assured that they are constantly monitoring the situation and its impact on the Filipino community there.
“Sa ngayon (For now), we've been trying to reach 'yung ating mga kababayan (our countrymen) through all possible means,” he said.
“Alam namin na marami sa ating mga kababayan ay under mandatory evacuation. So that means medyo nadisplace sila (We know that many of our countrymen are under mandatory evacuation. So that means they were displaced),” Cruz added.
However, he also revealed that despite reassuring that the Philippine government, through the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, is ready to extended assistance, only a few Filipinos asked for help from them.
“We are assuming marami silang kamag-anak sa LA at doon na muna sila naninirahan (they have many relatives in LA and they will just stay there),” the official said.
Meanwhile, the consulate also advised Filipinos to heed the evacuation orders of the local officials in Los Angeles.
“The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles advises the Filipino community in the areas affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles County (Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, Woodley Fire), Riverside County (Tyler Fire) and Ventura County (Olivas Fire) to check local advisories, undertake necessary preparations, and adhere to evacuation orders,” the advisory posted on its official Facebook page read.
Citing reports by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the consulate said that the wildfires were continually being fueled by the Santa Ana winds, with the Palisades Fire (near Malibu) and Eaton Fire (centered near Pasadena) expanding to more than 10,000 acres each.
In a separate post, the consulate advised Filipinos that a smoke advisory was in effect in Los Angeles County until Jan. 10.
It cited the health hazards of wildfires, which included burning eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, headaches, bronchitis with severe effects such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing fatigue, and/or chest pain.
Those affected by the wildfires are advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, limit exercise, close window and doors.
Filipinos were also advised to wear a mask in smoky conditions, specifically N95 or P100 masks outdoors.
Additionally, they were asked to run HEPA air purifier and use air conditioners that recirculate air and AC fresh air intake, as well as avoid using fireplaces, candles, or vacuums.
The consulate also told them not to smoke and clean dusty surfaces. It asked Filipinos to call 911 for life-threatening symptoms as well.
Since Tuesday last week, a total of six simultaneous wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County neighborhoods.
The wildfires have killed at least 10 people and destroyed nearly 10,000 structures, including billions of dollars worth of public and private infrastructure.