At least 24 people are believed to be dead and more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for as multiple wildfires rage across Southern California.

California wildfires have killed at least 16 people, a death toll expected to climb for the Palisades and Eaton blazes that have burned more than 37,000 acres.

Officials said at least 24 people have died in the Southern California wildfires, while Santa Ana winds are expected to make the battle more difficult, with the National Weather Service predicting it will be "as bad as it gets.