THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thousands of Malayali families across the Gulf found themselves bracing for uncertainty amid sirens and sleepless nights after Iran retaliated against joint US-Israel strikes on Tehran by targeting American military bases across West Asia.
Keralites in West Asia described waking up to tremors, missile interceptions, and frantic phone calls from worried relatives back home.
“In just a day, everything changed from normal. I saw a missile being intercepted. We heard sirens, but there was no clear information,” said Aadithya, an Alappuzha native residing in Bahrain, where US military installations are located close to civilian areas.
“All we could hear were loud sounds. Immediately, my family from Kerala started calling. We began storing food and essentials,” he said.
Notably, US base camps and residential areas are not far apart. “You realise how close you are to something much bigger. Even if nothing hits you directly, the fear is enough,” he added.
In Qatar, residents near the Al Udeid Air Base reported early morning tremors after Iran reportedly targeted US military positions. A Malayali healthcare worker living in Fereej Bin Mahmoud said she woke up to her building shaking.
“It was early in the morning. We felt the tremor, and then messages started pouring in. At the hospital, we are working extra hours. Everyone is on alert. I have charged my power bank, packed a few essentials and kept them ready. We keep getting alerts,” she said.
A crew member working with an international airline said many people are stranded in different locations as airports remain closed.
“There were strikes on Saturday till 11.30 pm and again close to midnight on Sunday. It was peaceful for a few hours. We have been advised to keep a packed bag on standby in case of an emergency. Now, there is panic all around. Many of the crew are in various locations and have been asked to remain wherever they are until situations improve,” she said.
According to official estimates, around 1.8 million Keralites reside in Saudi Arabia and approximately 1.5 million in the United Arab Emirates. About 400,000 Keralites in Kuwait, 300,000 in Qatar, 200,000 in Bahrain and 200,000 in Oman.
In comparison, around 15,000 Malayalis are in Israel, while fewer than 100 are believed to be in Iran.
The sheer size of the diaspora has amplified anxiety in Kerala, where families remain glued to television screens and social media for updates.
“My brother is in Abu Dhabi. He says there are frequent alerts, and everyone is tense. Every call from him feels like a relief. I hardly slept yesterday, constantly checking updates,” said Sreeja (name changed), a resident of Kollam.
Flights to and from parts of West Asia have seen cancellations amid airspace concerns, further heightening worries among those planning travel. Travel agents in Kerala said passengers are repeatedly checking schedules and cancellation policies as the situation remains tense.
Meanwhile, NORKA has opened help desks and is closely monitoring developments, urging expatriates to remain calm and follow local advisories.
For many Malayalis in the Gulf, daily life continues, offices remain open, hospitals function, and shops operate, but all under a cloud of uncertainty.
“Civilians are not part of this war. All we want is peace. We came here to work and support our families. We just hope this ends soon,” said a Bahrain-based expatriate.
