The death toll from the forest fire in the Abay region of eastern Kazakhstan has risen to 14.
Previously, it was announced that three forestry workers had lost their lives, and subsequently, 11 additional bodies were discovered during search operations, as the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan reports.
The ministry stated that the identities of the deceased are currently being established. Currently, over 1,000 individuals and 252 pieces of equipment are involved in firefighting efforts.
The fire, which began on June 8, has affected an area spanning 60,000 hectares. In response to the incident, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan appointed a new head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Reportedly, this forest fire is currently the largest in the world. It exceeds by land coverage fires in Canada that covered New York in thick smoke three days ago.
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