Daijiworld Media Network – Los Angeles

Los Angeles, Feb 22: California Governor Gavin Newsom has urged Congress to approve nearly $40 billion in disaster aid to help Los Angeles recover from last month’s devastating wildfires, which claimed at least 29 lives and destroyed over 16,000 structures.

"It's going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach to rebuild from the devastating fires in LA," Newsom posted on X, tagging a Washington Post report that first revealed his request.

The worst-hit areas include Pacific Palisades and Altadena, where the fires left behind widespread destruction. Newsom’s letter to congressional leaders warns that the full economic impact of the disaster may take years to assess, with AccuWeather estimating losses exceeding $250 billion—potentially making it the costliest natural disaster in US history.

His funding request includes $16.8 billion for fire response, debris removal, and infrastructure repairs, along with $9.9 billion to rebuild homes and essential facilities. Newsom also indicated that California might seek additional federal support in the future.

Earlier this month, Newsom met with former U.S. President Donald Trump to push for federal disaster relief. Now, all eyes are on Congress as California fights to recover from one of the worst wildfire disasters in its history.