A fire in Taraz has left 10 families without a roof over their heads, with residents fearing the approaching winter and appealing to officials for help, reports infohub.kz.
The barrack-style building went up like a matchbox. Two apartments and part of the roof — about 250 square meters — were completely destroyed. Thirty firefighters battled the blaze for an hour and a half.
Now 30 people, including five children, have been left to fend for themselves. Some went to stay with relatives, others were placed in special centers, and some had to set up sleeping areas right next to the ashes.
"We are living in a tent. Those who have relatives are staying with them. No one is cooking here now. There are no utilities. There is no help at all," said Akhmetzhan Zhamalbekov.
The city akim arrived at the scene and promised to help the fire victims, but only after a conclusion from the emergency situations department.
"Within two days the investigative actions will be fully completed, and we will be provided with the results. Based on them, we will determine the amount of payments. Until we have that conclusion in hand, we cannot do anything," explained city head Bakytzhan Orynbekov.
A special commission is working at the site, assessing the damage and determining the cause of the fire. It is reported that the fire victims will be able to receive a one-time payment from the budget — a maximum of 1.3 million tenge.