Measures to eliminate a large natural fire in Abay region were discussed at the meeting in the Government, chaired by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov.

According to the Ministry for Emergency Situations, the total area of the fire as of today is more than 60 thousand hectares. At present in its extinguishing forces and means of Ministry for Emergency Situations, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry for Ecology and Natural Resources and local executive bodies are involved. In particular, about 800 people, 190 units of equipment and 8 helicopters are involved.

The fire is spreading in three directions towards the villages of Talitsa, Kashtak, Baryshevka, Uspenka, Podnebesnoe and Kamyshenka. There is heavy smoke in the emergency area, with no overhead fires, helped by favorable weather conditions during the night and in the morning there was light rain.

Aircrafts work actively. At the same time, the group of forces and equipment continues to be reinforced by the reserves that arrive on the spot. Water delivery was organized at the most intensive sites to allow equipment to operate without interruption and without refueling. Places of temporary accommodation for citizens have been arranged. The threat to the inhabited localities is practically removed. The work is under control.

Reports on measures taken were also made by Regional Akim Nurlan Urankhayev, Minister of Defense Ruslan Zhaksylykov, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Zulfiya Suleimenova.

The Prime Minister underlined that all necessary technical and human resources have been mobilized on the instruction of the Head of the State to eliminate the big natural fire and ensure safety of the citizens. At the same time Alikhan Smailov demanded to ensure prompt arrival of additional equipment and employees of relevant services to extinguish the fire.

In addition, Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Labor to elaborate the issue of social assistance to families affected by emergencies, the Ministry of Health to keep control of the timely provision of medical care to citizens if necessary, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure public order and safety of public property.

#Alikhan Smailov #The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #Ministry for Emergency Situation