ASTANA: The death toll in a forest fire in the Abay region of Kazakhstan has risen to 14, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Search operations have discovered the bodies of 11 additional victims, in addition to the previously found bodies of three forestry employees. Efforts are underway to identify the deceased.
The government has been asked to utilize all available resources to combat the fires, prevent further spread, and ensure the safety of citizens and their property.
The fire initially broke out in the Batpaevsky forestry, covering an estimated area of 0.3 hectares. Firefighters and a helicopter were deployed to extinguish the blaze, and assistance was sought from neighboring regions. The fire has since grown to encompass more than 60,000 hectares. Rescuers from Almaty, Karaganda, and Zhetysu regions have been dispatched to aid in firefighting efforts.
A total of 316 people have been evacuated from the affected area. The government and the regional administration have been directed to provide necessary support to the families of the victims. Evacuation centers have been established in Semey to accommodate the displaced residents.
Kazakhstan’s President Postpones Visit to Vietnam
In response to the severity of the situation, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev postponed his official visit to Vietnam, which was scheduled for June 11-13. The Abay region, located in eastern Kazakhstan, shares borders with Russia to the north and China to the southeast.
The forest fires, which started on June 8, continue to ravage parts of Kazakhstan. Over 60,000 hectares of land have been engulfed by the flames. Approximately 1,000 firefighters, 237 pieces of equipment, and 11 helicopters are involved in firefighting operations. The search and rescue efforts have led to the discovery of 11 more bodies, with their identities yet to be confirmed. The total death toll has now reached 14, including the three previously reported missing forestry workers.
Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has appointed Syrym Sharipkhanov as the new Minister of Emergency Situations, following the dismissal of his predecessor, Yury Ilyin. Sharipkhanov, a 56-year-old ministry veteran, assumes the role as wildfires continue to rage in the northeast of the country. A state of emergency has been declared in the affected region. The fires have caused significant damage to the dense forest around Abay, but authorities have stated that the situation is stabilizing.
