Kazakhstan’s national flags at half-mast to honor victims in wildfires

In Kazakhstan, today, June 12 has been declared the Day of Mourning for those killed in the fire in the Abay region of the country, Turanews.kz reports citing Akorda.

President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, expressed his condolences to the families and friends of the forestry workers who lost their lives in the large-scale fire at the Semey Ormany nature reserve.

“I came here specifically to express my condolences to you. This is a great tragedy for our entire nation. Be strong in this difficult moment. I share your grief at the loss. I have instructed the Government to provide you with all possible support, whether it is financial or any other form of assistance. If there are any appeals to the Government or to me personally, please speak up and express your requests and appeals. We will fulfill all of them, naturally. While we cannot bring back the deceased, life goes on. However, I want to emphasize that those responsible for this tragedy will be held accountable in accordance with the law. I declare this Monday as a day of national mourning. We will mourn with you and remember the names of the deceased. I urge you to stay strong and remain calm. Appropriate measures will be taken in all areas, including law enforcement agencies and ministries. I will now hold a meeting, and we will undoubtedly learn from this experience,” the Head of State said.

Recall that a wildfire broke out in the Batpaevsky forestry area, affecting a preliminary area of 0.3 hectares. Lately, the preliminary area affected by the fire has exceeded 60,000 hectares.

Fourteen foresters lost their lives in the fire in the Abay region, and 316 people were evacuated from the area due to the fire. The government and the akimat of the Abay region have been instructed to provide all necessary assistance to the families of the victims.