There have been 42 fatalities in total, 23 of which come from Sonoma County where the majority of the damage has occurred. The county is implementing toxic waste clean up as many gas lines and sewage systems have been affected by the fires. The project is expected to continue into early of 2018. Two hundred and forty five thousand acres have been destroyed by the fire, and over 102 million trees have burned

California is coming off one of its wettest winters. This left many hillsides covered in grass and other vegetation.The grass then dries out, turning it to pure tinder providing fuel for the extreme Santa Winds that the state experienced at the beginning of this month. These winds blow at over 70 mph. As of Oct. 17, over 11,000 firefighters were on the front lines of 12 large fires across the state.

One of the major issues the fires create is the thousands of citizens without shelter. The Red Cross has responded quickly and opened shelters across the state, but there is simply not enough room for the vast number of Californians without homes.

Federal Emergency Management Agency offers a $34,000 grant per individual to both renters and homeowners who have sustained significant damage to their property during a natural disaster. However, this still leaves many homeowners wondering what their next steps will be to rebuild their lives after all of the fires are fully contained.

Donations can be made to the California Wildlife Relief Fund.

Photo Courtesy of NBC News.

Since the weeks following Hurricane Maria 85 percent of Puerto Ricans do not have electricity while 3.4 million citizens are without running water. The Jones Act was suspended to provide aid to Puerto Rico. Congress enacted this act in 1920 in response to the threat of German U-boats during World War I. This Act meant to protect U.S. merchant ships has hindered aid to Puerto Rico as it must pay a tax for every U.S. vessel. The Act doubled the price of aid to the country, hindering relief efforts.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided over $53 million in home repairs and dental, medical and funeral expenses. FEMA has pledged additional aid in the near future, and the U.S. Senate should pass aid relief this week to further help the U.S. Territory.

The Puerto Rican government is attempting to stabilize the territory and its economy in the aftermath. Its failing economy and increased migration will make recovery a challenge. Puerto Rican governor Ricardo Rosselló hopes that 95 percent of power will be restored by Dec. 15, 2017. The government expects that 30 percent of power will be working by the end of October. They expect to have 50 percent electricity by Nov. 15, 2017 and 80 percent by Dec. 1, 2017.

President Trump tweeted Oct. 12  2017 “We cannot keep FEMA, the Military & the First Responders, who have been amazing (under the most difficult circumstances) in P.R. forever!”

He further stated that aid would be halted for Puerto Rico and that the country would have to pay back the money that the U.S. provides. Democrats such as Nancy Pelosi have criticized his position and stated that they will continue to provide aid to Puerto Rico.

Overall aid to Puerto Rico has been a slow process. Trump criticized sending aid and FEMA workers but he praised relief efforts in Houston and tweeted his support for continued Houston relief efforts.

Nevertheless, Puerto Rico has praised FEMA and the U.S. Department of Defense for their efforts. The U.S. government sent aid to Puerto Rico despite partisan infighting in Congress. The organizations above have pledged to provide further aid to restore power and clean water to the country.

Photo courtesy of Reuters.