California Governor Gavin Newsom stated on Sunday that he believes the wildfires in Los Angeles County will be the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, “in terms of the costs associated with it, as well as the scale and scope.”
In an interview with NBC’s Jacob Soboroff on “Meet the Press,” Newsom said, “I think it will be significant regarding the costs and the overall impact.”
“Currently, we’re getting confirmation from the coroners, so we must be cautious about the death toll; it’s around 13 at the moment. I also have search-and-rescue teams deployed, along with cadaver dogs, and there may be more casualties expected.”
During the interview, Newsom announced an executive order to suspend certain environmental regulations to expedite the rebuilding process following the wildfires.
According to Politico, The California governor also announced an independent investigation into the water supply issues, including one reservoir that serves Palisades not being full.
“We’ve got to be thinking three weeks, three months, three years ahead at the same time we’re focusing on the immediacy, which is life safety and property,” Newsom said.
“And so that’s exactly what we’re doing with disaster assistance, making sure people are getting their applications, addressing the issue of fraud.”
As for the incoming independent investigation, Newsom said he wants to know “what the hell happened,” and get the facts together.
He pushed back on claims that this would “pass the blame” onto anyone else and said he has “full faith in the community” and “leaders” when asked if he has faith in Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
“We’re all in this together. We’re all better off when we’re all better off, and we’re all better off when we’re working together to take care of people and to make sure people are supported,” Newsom said.
“And we’re here not just in the immediacy of the crisis, but we’re here after the crisis, as opposed to creating a crisis in the middle of this by trying to divide people and play political, take cheap political shots.”
