Kazakhstan is mourning the deaths of 14 forest rangers who were killed by wildfires in the northeastern region of Abai last week. Flags were at half-mast and all entertainment programs and TV shows were suspended on June 12. President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev awarded the deceased, who died while extinguishing the wildfires, with the Qurmet Order (Order of Honor) posthumously. Toqaev has already replaced the emergencies minister and officially reprimanded the region's governor, Nurlan Urankhaev, for their inadequate reaction to the wildfires that covered the area of some 60 hectares. A probe has been launched into the deaths. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, click here.
Kazakhstan Mourns 14 Forest Rangers Killed By Wildfire
Relatives of the rangers meet with President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev in the Abai region on June 11.