Former US vice president Kamala Harris addressed the devastating wildfires in California earlier this month while visiting the fire-ravaged region, describing the destruction as something that could be “felt” in the air.
A week after the massive fire tore through most of California, including nearly all of Pacific Palisades, Harris was asked by a reporter about the ongoing crisis.
“You can feel it. Right? So it’s—seeing people have seen it. You all are covering it. But to literally be able to smell the smoke that was here. You can feel the, the toxicity, frankly, of the environment. You can feel the energy of all of the folks who are still here on the ground,” she said.
Social media was quick to react to her somewhat unusual answers, with many X users saying they had “dodged a bullet,” referring to her loss in the presidential race against Donald Trump.
Harris, who visited temporary shelters for evacuees, met with displaced residents, some of whom had lost their homes. While speaking with them, she was asked whether she would consider running for California governor.
“I would be here regardless of the office that I hold, as it is the right thing to do, which is to show up in your community and thank folks who are on the ground,” Harris responded.
When questioned about future strategies to tackle natural disasters, Harris emphasised the need for preparation and investment in climate resilience.
“As we think about the future, we must, as a society, as a country, invest in adaptation and resilience. And we have to understand these extreme weather occurrences are extreme, but they are increasingly less rare,” she said.
The Southern California wildfires, which began earlier in January, have claimed multiple lives and caused billions in property damage. Mansions, farmhouses, and entire neighbourhoods were reduced to ashes. Thousands were displaced, millions lost electricity and access to proper medical aid, and the resulting air pollution led to widespread health issues.
Firefighters and emergency responders faced immense challenges in containing the blazes due to their sheer scale.
Meanwhile, California governor Gavin Newsom faced backlash from US President Donald Trump over his handling of the wildfire crisis. Trump also criticised former President Joe Biden’s response, adding to the political tensions surrounding the disaster.
