President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Source: AFP/VNA

Kazakh media on Saturday reported that three people have been killed and 11 believed to be missing in the forest fire in the eastern region of Abay. More than 800 people have been deployed to firefighting and search and rescue operations. 700 residents were evacuated, while the local government set up shelters for evacuees.

Nurbolat Derbisov, chairman of the Fire Service Committee at the Kazakh Ministry of Emergency Situations, said that despite the high temperatures, large burning area and wind gusts, the situation has been under control.