United States President Joe Biden has announced a significant federal aid initiative aimed at supporting victims of the devastating wildfires in California, particularly in Los Angeles County, which is currently grappling with one of the most catastrophic fire seasons in its history.

In a press briefing held on Monday, Biden revealed that each victim would receive a one-time payment of $770 to assist with immediate needs such as purchasing water, baby formula, and essential medications.

The wildfires have already claimed the lives of at least 29 individuals and destroyed over 12,000 structures, including homes and businesses.

As the fires continue to wreak havoc, Biden emphasized the urgency of providing assistance, stating, "We are not waiting until the fires are over to help victims. We are helping them all right now." He noted that nearly 6,000 survivors have already registered for aid, with approximately $5.1 million disbursed to those affected.

In addition to the direct payments to victims, Biden assured that the federal government would cover 100% of disaster response costs for the next six months. This includes funding for firefighting efforts and debris removal.

He acknowledged the immense financial burden of recovery, estimating that restoring Los Angeles could cost tens of billions of dollars and urging Congress to support funding initiatives.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reported that around 33,000 residents have sought disaster assistance since the fires began. The total economic loss from these wildfires is projected to be between $250 billion and $275 billion, surpassing previous records set by other natural disasters.