by Thinus Ferreira
South Africans living in Los Angeles have lost everything and had to flee before the wildfires that started to engulf suburbs and homes in various parts of the city last week and continue to burn.
The South African actress Christel Smith who appeared in M-Net's Egoli before moving to Los Angeles three decades ago, lost her home that burnt down.
She, her husband and their 13-year-old son are now staying with friends and they also managed to rescue their dog and cat. She likens the wildfires in Los Angeles to "Armageddon". "We lost everything," Christel Smith says.
"Our house was cordoned off and we couldn't go back yet to see what could be saved. All my Egoli memorabilia and photos have been burnt".
The former South African Miss Universe Margaret Gardiner writes that she had to pack twice in 24 hours to be ready to evacuate.
"The devastation is worse than the worse imaginable. Los Angeles has experienced its worst disaster ever."
Margaret Gardiner says "Refugees from the fires spilt into hotels with dogs and children, united by one truth. Likely they would not have a home to return to."
"You are in the danger zone. The suitcase you just unpacked gets packed. Did you remember it all this time. Where to go? The people who would have taken you in no longer have homes. The hotels are full, your friends are looking for a refuge for themselves, and so it goes."
The South African actor Greg Kriek wrote that he is "devasted" and had been "on standby to evacuate".
"Never in my wildest dreams thought the last few days would bring so much devastation."
Jann Turner, a South African film and TV director, writes "we are lucky that our house is still standing and outside the evacuation zone. So many friends have lost everything. It's unimaginable."
South Africans in Los Angeles who require help can contact South Africa's Consulate-General on the 24-hour emergency number of +1 323 244 0360.
