War fears grip Telangana households with kin in Gulf nations
Families in Telangana are anxious about relatives working in Gulf countries amid escalating Iran-Israel tensions. Flight cancellations have stranded travellers, while migrant workers remain indoors and stay in contact with families as authorities issue safety advisories.
Jagtial: Families of migrant workers from Telangana are increasingly anxious about the safety of their relatives in Gulf countries amid escalating tensions in West Asia following the conflict between Iran and Israel.
With reports of airstrikes and missile attacks, relatives in districts such as Jagtial have been in constant touch with their family members abroad, making phone and video calls to check on their wellbeing.
The tensions have intensified after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory drone and missile attacks targeting US military installations in parts of the Gulf region.
In view of the security situation, several countries, including India, have suspended flight services to Gulf destinations. International flights from Hyderabad to Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Doha and Dubai were cancelled, leaving several Indian travellers stranded.
Some Indians who had travelled to the United Arab Emirates for tourism and other purposes were unable to return due to the disruptions.
Migrant labourers in affected regions are reportedly confining themselves indoors amid fears of further escalation. Many are stocking up on essential supplies and limiting movement as a precaution.
An unconfirmed report of a Pakistani national allegedly killed in a missile strike has further heightened concerns among families in Telangana. Migrant workers are sending regular updates and video messages to reassure their relatives.
Gulf-based organisations have also circulated advisories and emergency contact numbers, urging migrant workers not to panic and to follow official instructions.
Lakhs of people from Telangana have migrated to Gulf countries in search of employment, with significant numbers from north Telangana districts, including the erstwhile Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Adilabad regions.
While a majority are employed in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, others work in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Malaysia and Singapore.
Authorities have advised Indian nationals in the region to remain vigilant and stay in touch with local missions for assistance.
If there is any emergency, people can contact local officials on these phone numbers. Ramallah (Palestine) 970592916418, Doha (Qatar) 00974-55647502, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) 00-966-11-4884697/ WhatsApp 00-966-542126748/ Toll Free 8002471234, Tel Aviv (Israel) 972-54-7520711/ 97254-2428378, Tehran (Iran) 98128109115/ 98128109109/ 98128109102/ 989932179359, Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) Toll Free 800-46342/ WhatsApp 972543090571, Kuwait 9656550146, Bahrain 00973-39418071, Muscat (Oman) Toll Free 80071234, Jordan 00962-770422, Baghdad (Iraq) 9647716511185/ 9647704444899.
