Nina Dobrev Feels ‘Survivors Guilt’ After Her Home Was Left Standing Amid Wildfires

Actress Nina Dobrev attends the Michael Kors Launch of Claiborne Swanson Frank's 'Young Hollywood' on Oct. 2, 2014, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Actress Nina Dobrev, like tens of thousands of other Los Angeles residents, evacuated from her home amid the ongoing wildfires, but feels a sense of “survivor’s guilt” after her place was left standing.

The 36-year-old shared her feelings in an Instagram video over the weekend, expressing the heartbreak for all of those affected, while encouraging her fans and followers to reflect on the devastation.

“It’s been such a tragic time in Los Angeles recently. I have been absolutely sick to my stomach with all the destruction and devastation that these fires have caused and displaced so many families,” she said.

“I don’t know about you, but I have been feeling survivor’s guilt,” she continued.

The “Vampire Diaries” star evacuated on Jan. 9, which also happened to be her birthday, and rather than a celebration, she decided to use her social media platform to urge others to help.

“For my birthday, my only wish this year is that you help a family in need,” she captioned her post, before linking to a Google document listing various charities and organizations for wildfire relief, as well as families who have lost their homes.

“So many others were not so lucky,” she reaffirmed. “What people really need right now is financial aid to help them get back on their feet and start rebuilding their lives and their homes. The Pacific Palisades, the Altadena-Pasadena community in particular needs it the most.”

The Palisades and Eaton fires, among others, have ravaged Los Angeles County since they broke out Jan. 7. Firefighters have increased containment lines in recent days but fear a new round of dangerous winds could hinder progress.

At least 27 people have died as a result, and over 12,000 structures are presumed destroyed, leaving tens of thousands displaced.

“I put myself in the shoes of all these people whose homes have burned down to the ground with their belongings, their memories, their everything that made them feel safe in the world now gone, and their insurance dropped them,” Dobrev said.

Many homeowners in California have struggled to maintain insurance plans after companies have either raised premiums or dropped customers in fire prone areas.

On Jan. 17, state Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced an expansion of his emergency protection moratorium for Southern California residents, which would prevent insurance companies from canceling or not renewing policies in wildfire-impacted areas.

“For some of them, the level of tragedy is immeasurable and it’s really hard to comprehend. They’ve lost everything,” she added.

Dobrev, who has already donated, understands many may not have the financial means to help out, but noted if you can, every donation counts.

“Thank you for your support always, but especially now. The road to rebuilding and healing for so many families who have lost everything starts now, and it will be a long one,” she concluded.