Photo: Website of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan

Sat 10 June 2023:

Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry reported on Friday that a wildfire in the Semey-Ormany national reserve has engulfed an area of 30,000 hectares.

The ministry said in a statement that more than 600 personnel, six helicopters and 168 pieces of equipment are involved in firefighting efforts.

Residents of three villages in the Abad region are being evacuated, while the police have organized patrols in the area to prevent looting.

The wildfires have occurred due to the dry and hot weather conditions that have prevailed in the northern regions of Kazakhstan in recent days.

Kazakh President Replaces Emergencies Minister

President Tokayev postponed his visit to Vietnam due to the rampant fire in the Abai region, Akorda reports. Instead of a trip, he will visit the region.

Presiden Tokayev appointed a new emergency situations minister on June 10, hours after the dismissal of his predecessor with deadly wildfires roaring in the northeast of that Central Asian country. Fifty-six-year-old ministry veteran Syrym Sharipkhanov takes over from Yury Ilyin with a regional state of emergency declared in the east.

Business and transport disruptions may persist in the affected area over the coming hours. Anticipate the status of nearby roads to change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close routes within the fire complex and evacuate communities due to fire activity and the need for response operations.

Traffic flows could also be disrupted during re-entry periods after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region, as well as possibly disrupting operations at nearby airfields, including Semey Airport (PLX).

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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