CARACAS/LOS ÁNGELES (AP) — As the political landscape in Venezuela shifts dramatically with Edmundo González poised to return from exile, the country braces for another chapter in its turbulent history. At the same time, wildfires have ravaged the Los Angeles area, causing widespread devastation and prompting mass evacuations.

In Venezuela, the controversial swearing-in of President Nicolás Maduro takes place amid accusations of electoral fraud. González, recognized internationally as the rightful president-elect after credible claims of his win, faces the challenge of returning to a country where he is at risk of arrest. As tensions rise, many Venezuelans have rallied behind González, who has promised to lead the nation towards democracy.

On the other side, Los Angeles residents contend with relentless wildfires that have resulted in at least five deaths and forced over 130,000 people to evacuate from their homes. The fires, which began spreading rapidly due to powerful Santa Ana winds, have wreaked havoc from the Pacific coast to Pasadena, with the iconic Hollywood Hills now under threat.

The latest reports indicate that the Sunset Fire in Hollywood poses significant risks to landmark locations, exacerbating an already dire situation for many communities. Firefighters are overwhelmed as they attempt to contain the blaze while facing unpredictable winds that send embers spiraling across the landscape.

The rapid advance of the wildfires caught many off guard, similar to the political upheaval in Venezuela, where fast-paced events can shift the future of a nation overnight. Residents of Los Angeles, amid their own crisis, worry as celebrities and ordinary citizens alike have lost homes.Witnesses described harrowing scenes as they fled, painting a picture of chaos and resilience.

Both situations highlight the fragility of life and governance in two regions facing profound challenges, whether due to political unrest or environmental disasters.