Indians in Gulf Nations on Alert After Missile Strikes and Threats
The Indian mission informed that its officials continue to visit hospitals where injured Indian nationals are receiving medical treatment, and are in constant touch with their families and providing necessary assistance.
Hyderabad: Don’t stand on balconies or rooftops in case of an aerial attack. Proceed to the nearest safe place, inside a building or an interior room away from windows. Refrain from filming, publishing, or sharing any information, photos, or videos related to the ongoing events, the Centre has advised Indians living in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and other Gulf nations.
The advisory asked people not to leave their homes or buildings until the danger had passed, stay away from open areas, windows and glass. People who receive an alert while driving have been advised to pull over to the side of the road, away from bridges and high-rise buildings.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh advisory follows a series of attacks attributed to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, including an October 10 attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport that killed an Indian national and injured several others. Some of the injured Indians continue to receive medical treatment.
The instructions say people can call emergency number 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province in case of any threat or danger, and 998 in the rest of Saudi Arabia.
People have also been asked to follow instructions issued by the competent authorities through official channels.
Flight disruptions have added to the concerns of Indians seeking to return home. Riyadh's international airport remains closed, while airports in Dammam, Jeddah and Medina continue to operate with disruptions. Indian carriers have extended flight suspensions until October 24, while Akasa Air has suspended flights until October 27, according to the latest embassy update.
Sudheer, a Hyderabad-based man working in Kuwait, said he is worried about the situation and is seeking shelter. “We are scared because we do not know what could happen next. I am following the instructions and am staying in a safe place. I thought of returning back to Hyderabad, but the flights got cancelled last week. I hope the situation improves soon,” he said.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has also urged Indians to remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines and monitor official announcements amid the regional security situation. Indian citizens in Oman have similarly been advised to follow official updates as tensions continue in the region.
The Indian mission informed that its officials continue to visit hospitals where injured Indian nationals are receiving medical treatment, and are in constant touch with their families and providing necessary assistance.
With regard to suspension of air services, it said: “Indian nationals requiring urgent departure may consider transiting via Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar, subject to obtaining the necessary visas.”
The embassy asked Indian nationals planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, including for Umrah, to take into account ongoing disruptions at Saudi airports and the possibility of flight cancellations, which may result in extended stays.
It said 24x7 control rooms of the Embassy and Consulate may be contacted for information. The phone numbers were: Embassy of India, Riyadh +966-554412016; +966-542126784 and toll-free number 8002471234 within Saudi Arabia. It can also be contacted on WhatsApp at +966-536216082 and emails can be sent to cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in.
Consulate General of India in Jeddah can be contacted via telephone at +966-12-2614093 and +966-556122301. It can also be contacted on WhatsApp: +966-536209704 (messages only) and by email at pbskcgi@gmail.com.
