ASTANA, Jun 11 (NNN-XINHUA) – Three people have died with 11 reportedly missing, in forest fires that broke out Thursday, in the Abai region, eastern Kazakhstan, according to local media.
More than 800 people have participated in firefighting, search and rescue work. Around 700 residents have been evacuated and shelters have been set up.
Despite the high temperatures, large burning areas and wind gusts, the situation has been brought under control, said Nurbolat Derbisov, chairman of the Fire Service Committee, at the Kazakh Ministry of Emergency Situations.
It is reported that the cause of the fire was two lightning strikes.– NNN-XINHUA
