At least 5 dead, over 1,000 homes destroyed in Los Angeles County wildfires

Wildfires continue to ravage southern California, with at least five people confirmed dead, over 150,000 residents evacuated, and more than 1,100 homes destroyed, as flames spread unchecked across Los Angeles County.

Fueled by strong winds and dry weather conditions that have plagued the region in recent days, at least six separate wildfires have erupted across Los Angeles County since Tuesday, and nearly all remain largely uncontrolled, according to the latest data released on Wednesday by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

Among the most severe incidents is the fire in the Pacific Palisades area, which has already scorched 64 square kilometers of land. The Eaton fire, spreading in the Altadena area in eastern Los Angeles County, has also devastated over 42 square kilometers of forested land.

With the Palisades fire encroaching, authorities in Santa Monica issued emergency evacuation orders for parts of the city on Wednesday.

The wildfires have also caused widespread power outages, with over 310,000 homes and businesses currently without electricity, according to data from a U.S. power outage tracking website.

California governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Tuesday and also visited the Pacific Palisades area where he met with local and state fire officials.

The National Weather Service stated on Wednesday that strong winds are expected to continue until Thursday in affected areas, making it harder to contain the wildfires.

At least 5 dead, over 1,000 homes destroyed in Los Angeles County wildfires

At least 5 dead, over 1,000 homes destroyed in Los Angeles County wildfires

At least 5 dead, over 1,000 homes destroyed in Los Angeles County wildfires

At least 5 dead, over 1,000 homes destroyed in Los Angeles County wildfires

The central parity rate of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, strengthened 20 pips to 7.0108 against the U.S. dollar Monday, according to the China Foreign Exchange Trade System.

In China's spot foreign exchange market, the yuan is allowed to rise or fall by 2 percent from the central parity rate each trading day.

The central parity rate of the yuan against the U.S. dollar is based on a weighted average of prices offered by market makers before the opening of the interbank market each business day.

Chinese yuan strengthens to 7.0108 against USD Monday