Families of servicemen killed during naval exercises in the Caspian Sea off the coast of the Mangystau region will receive financial assistance totaling more than 2.3 billion tenge (about $5.2 million). The funds will be provided by members of the "Adilet" party and the Kazakhstan People's Council.

The "Adilet" party and its Business Council will allocate 1.5 billion tenge ($3.3 million) to support the families of the deceased and injured servicemen. The money will be transferred to the "Ulttyk Rukh" fund, designated as the single operator for collecting aid. Contributions are voluntary.

Another 815 million tenge ($1.8 million) has already been raised by members of the Kazakhstan People's Council to help the families of the victims. These funds will be given directly to the relatives of the servicemen.

Recall that the tragedy occurred on September 24 during exercises of Kazakhstan's Naval Forces near the Caspian Sea coast. While performing a combat training task, weather conditions sharply deteriorated and the wind intensified, leaving 17 servicemen in open sea. Three were rescued, 14 died. The search and rescue operation was completed on September 25 after the bodies of the last two missing servicemen were found.

A criminal case has been opened on charges of negligent performance of duty resulting in grave consequences and violation of navigation rules. A government commission is establishing the causes and circumstances of the incident.

In connection with the tragedy, a day of national mourning was declared in Kazakhstan on September 25.

The akimat of the Mangystau region earlier urged those wishing to help to transfer funds only through the official "Ulttyk Rukh" fund. The movement of funds is under the control of state and law enforcement agencies.

Source: podrobno.uz