Los Angeles [US], January 21: Actress Nina Dobrev expressed her feelings of “survivor’s guilt” after successfully evacuating her home near one of the recent LA wildfires, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
In an Instagram video, the ‘Vampire Diaries’ star revealed that she had to leave her home on January 9, her birthday, as it was “close to one of the fires.” She acknowledged her own luck in escaping but also reflected on the tragedy experienced by others.
“I have been absolutely sick to my stomach with all the destruction and devastation that these fires have caused, and displaced so many families,” Dobrev shared. “I don’t know about you, but I have been feeling survivor’s guilt.”
She also emphasized that evacuating during a wildfire was not how she had planned to spend her birthday. Dobrev called on her followers to donate and support the wildfire victims, adding that financial aid was crucial for those affected.
“What people really need right now is financial aid to help them get back on their feet and start rebuilding their lives and homes,” she stated. She specifically mentioned the Pacific Palisades and Altadena-Pasadena communities as areas in dire need of help.
Several other celebrities, including Taylor Swift, have stepped up to support the wildfire victims. Swift shared that she had made a donation to relief efforts and urged her fans to do the same.
Over 15,000 acres of land were destroyed in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas, while the Eaton fire ravaged over 10,000 acres in Altadena. The total estimated cost of damages across Los Angeles due to the fires is currently pegged at USD 250 billion and continues to rise.