On June 9, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev instructed the Government to use all available technical and human resources to fight fires in Abai Region, prevent the spread of fire and ensure the safety of citizens and their property, the press office of the President of Kazakhstan reports.
Minister for Emergency Situations Yuri Ilyin was instructed to visit the site as soon as possible and lead the fight against large fires.
The President instructed the Government and the Abay Region Akimat to provide all necessary assistance to the families of the victims. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, 3 forestry workers died, and another 11 are being searched for.
According to preliminary information from the Forestry Committee, the fire covers an area of over 60,000 hectares. On June 9, 9 helicopters worked on the fire-affected sections, and 275.5 tonnes of water were dropped on the fires. 800 specialists from various departments and almost 200 pieces of equipment are involved in the firefighting operations.
President Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev cancelled a visit to Vietnam due to forest fires in Abai Region.
