13,000 ordered to evacuate as California combats wildfiresAugust 4, 2015 - 13:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Evacuation orders have been given to 13,000 people in California as firefighters struggle to contain some 20 wildfires. Some 9,000 firefighters worked throughout Monday, Aug 3, in steep terrain and rugged conditions, officials said, according to BBC News. The biggest blaze - the so-called Rocky fire north of San Francisco - has already consumed more than 90 square miles (145sq km) of land. On Monday afternoon the fire jumped a highway that had been containing it. The BBC says that the Rocky fire tripled in size over the weekend, with officials describing its rate of growth as unprecedented. At least 24 homes were destroyed as the blaze was whipped up by winds that fuelled the flames. More than 6,000 properties currently lie in the path of the flames. Four years of drought in the western U.S. have left the landscape tinder dry. Coupled with unseasonably humid conditions, lightning strikes and gusting winds, this has posed a severe challenge for fire fighters and water-dropping aircraft. While some progress has been reported in tackling the blazes, partially due to a slight fall in temperatures, there is no rain forecast. Photo: Reuters Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |