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Over 1000 missing, 71 dead in California wildfire

WION Web Team
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Nov 17, 2018, 08:35 AM IST
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Flames are seen as firefighters battle the Woolsey Fire as it continues to burn in Malibu. Photograph:(Reuters)

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The eight additional victims bring to 71 the number of people who have died in the so-called Camp Fire.

The number of people missing in a devastating wildfire in northern California jumped to more than 1,000 on Friday, authorities said, as the remains of eight other victims were found by rescuers.

Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said the number of missing had soared from 631 on Thursday to 1,011 on Friday as more reports of missing were being sent in and as emergency calls made when the fire broke out on November 8 are being reviewed.

The eight additional victims bring to 71 the number of people who have died in the so-called Camp Fire.

Meanwhile, the White House in a statement said President Trump would visit the state to review the situation. The county town of Paradise in northern California has been worst hit by the wildfire with most of those missing reported to be in the age group of 70s, 80s and 90s.

A number of celebrities have lost their homes in Malibu including Gerard Butler, Miley Cyrus, Pierce Brosnan, Neil Young, Robin Thicke and Shannen Doherty.

California fire department had said that that the wildfire had destroyed 56,655 hectares but was only 40 per cent contained. At least 5,500 firefighters were battling the blaze.