Bhatkal: Families of nearly 10,000 residents of Bhatkal, who are among an estimated nine million Indians living across the Middle East, have been gripped by anxiety amid ongoing U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and rising regional tensions.
According to agency reports from New Delhi, as American and Israeli attacks on Iran intensified, around 11 countries temporarily closed their airspace to civilian traffic, leading to the cancellation of nearly 350 international flights.
In response to the evolving situation, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened an emergency meeting to review the developments. Following the meeting, necessary directions were issued to all key departments concerned.
Sources said the Ministry of External Affairs has activated 24x7 helplines for Tel Aviv, Tehran, Abu Dhabi and Dubai to assist Indian nationals in the affected regions.
With air travel disrupted, passengers from Karnataka and several other states have been stranded in parts of the Middle East, particularly in Dubai. On the directions of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Revenue Minister, a 24x7 state-level emergency helpline has been kept operational for Karnataka and all its districts.
A nodal officer has been appointed to coordinate relief measures for stranded passengers. The officer is in constant touch with the Karnataka Bhavan Commissioner’s office in New Delhi and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure necessary assistance. Coordination is also underway with Indian embassies in the affected countries.
It is learnt that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Centre to take immediate steps to ensure the safe evacuation of Karnataka residents caught in the current war-like situation in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Uttara Kannada district in-charge Minister Mankal Vaidya said no resident from the district has so far approached authorities seeking assistance in connection with the Iran-Israel conflict. He noted that people from Uttara Kannada are present in several Middle Eastern countries, including Iran and Israel.
“Nearly 10,000 people from Bhatkal are currently in the Middle East. However, none has contacted us seeking help so far. If anyone reaches out for assistance, we have been directed to extend all possible support,” he said.