Four massive wildfires stood out in this tragedy: the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, the Eaton Fire in Altadena, the Hughes Fire in Los Angeles County, and the Border 2 Fire in San Diego County. The first two are among the most destructive in California's history, likely ranking as the state's second and fourth worst disasters.

By the end of the crisis on January 31, the wildfires had claimed at least 29 lives, forced the evacuation of over 200,000 people, and destroyed or damaged more than 18,000 structures. For many Californians, this disaster revealed a harsh reality: contrary to common belief, wildfires reached the heart of cities. The primary factor in this scenario was the vulnerability of older homes, which became fuel for the flames.

According to investigators, the destructive power of the wildfires multiplied due to the successive ignition of older houses built before strict fire safety regulations were implemented. Despite California having one of the most rigorous building codes in the United States, requiring homes in high-risk areas to be constructed with fire-resistant materials, many residences in Pacific Palisades date back to the 1950s and 1960s, failing to meet modern standards.

The January 2025 wildfires have raised urgent concerns about the need to reassess and adapt urban infrastructure to cope with natural disasters' increasing frequency and intensity. Authorities now face the challenge of ensuring that the reconstruction of affected areas incorporates materials and techniques that minimize the risks of future tragedies, protecting lives and property.

Thousands of people were trapped in homes that withstood the force of the waters, and others were swept out to sea. The immediate response of the local authorities and rescue teams was severely limited by the scarcity of resources and the magnitude of the disaster.

One of the worst affected areas was the region of Libya's main oil installations, located in Derna, a prosperous coastal town. With three bridges collapsed and a dam that gave way under the pressure of the waters, vast city areas were submerged. The lack of electricity and communications left many communities isolated, and a state of high alert was declared.

The magnitude of the tragedy led Libya to ask for international help. Rescue teams desperated asked for body bags, as thousands of people have been swept out to sea by the force of the waters, and bodies were being recovered at an alarming rate.

Seven days after the tragedy, humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent counted around 4,000 dead, but the government is warning that more bodies could be found. The magnitude of this tragedy is overwhelming, and the city of Derna faces a long recovery journey ahead.