Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has sent two ministers to coordinate work in the Semey Ormany area. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Minister of Emergency Situations Chingis Arinov, together with Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Erlan Nysanbayev, will coordinate firefighting operations in the Semey Ormany reserve. Both are urgently flying to Abai Region.
"Instructions have been given to strengthen measures to protect nearby settlements and prevent further spread of the fire," the official statement said. The Prime Minister has taken personal control of the emergency task force.
It is recalled that a fire broke out in Semey Ormany at 09:45 today. The fire has engulfed about 60 hectares. In connection with this, 190 children and 20 staff members from a nearby camp have been evacuated to a safe location.
Over 400 people and about 100 pieces of equipment have been mobilized to fight the fire. More than 100 tons of water have been dropped.