Los Angeles shrouded in smoke, 11 dead and billions of dollars in damage

The death toll from the catastrophic fires in Los Angeles has risen to 11.

What's left behind are rubble, burned-out homes and thousands of displaced people. The areas devastated by the fires are now under a curfew. This measure will be in effect in the Palisades and Eaton areas of Pacific.

On the other hand, authorities have warned that anyone who commits robbery will be arrested.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for an independent investigation into how a water shortage paralyzed firefighters' efforts to put out the blazes in Los Angeles.

In a letter to the head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Newsom called the reports of water shortages “deeply troubling.” He also urged President-elect Donald Trump, who has blamed the governor for the water shortages on social media, to “not politicize” the disaster and “not spread misinformation.”

President Joe Biden has described the situation in Los Angeles as a "war scene" while warning that the death toll is "likely" to rise.

A forecast for more strong winds is adding to fears that the flames could spread further and a red alert has been re-imposed in the country.

On the other hand, the fires have also damaged the air in Los Angeles. Authorities distributed masks to citizens, while experts warn of long-term health impacts from inhaling smoke.

While government officials have not yet provided a financial estimate of the destruction caused by the Los Angeles fires, reports indicate that it could be the costliest natural disaster ever in the United States.

Analysts from financial services firm JPMorgan have said that losses from the fires will exceed tens of billions of dollars.