10:30, 12 июня 2023, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Baktygul OSMONALIEVA
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared June 12 a day of mourning for those killed in a major forest fire in Abai region. Press service of Akorda reported on Telegram.
At least 14 people were killed in the fire in Semei Ormany forest reserve. All of them were forestry workers. The authorities would mourn together with the citizens and remember the names of those whose lives were taken by this natural disaster, the head of state said.
«I ask you to be strong and remain calm. Appropriate measures will be taken in all areas,» the president of the country added during a meeting with relatives of the victims.
The President of Kazakhstan expressed his condolences to them and called the incident a great tragedy for the people.
The total area of fire, which began during a thunderstorm, was estimated at 60,000 hectares.