Stay Indoors: India Issues Urgent Safety Warning for Nationals in Saudi Arabia
India urges citizens in Saudi Arabia to stay indoors and avoid balconies following Houthi drone and missile attacks.
Amid a surge in security threats, the Indian mission in Riyadh has issued a critical advisory for Indian nationals in Saudi, urging them to follow strict safety protocols. The warning comes as Iran-backed Houthi rebels escalate their campaign of drone and missile attacks against Saudi territory, creating a volatile environment for residents.
Strict Guidelines to Ensure Safety
The Indian Embassy has relayed revised emergency guidelines from local Saudi administration officials to ensure the safety of its citizens. The directives are specific and aimed at minimizing casualties during aerial strikes. Residents are strongly advised to:
- Stay Inside: Remain within residences or residential blocks until the immediate hazard has passed.
- Avoid Glass and Open Areas: Keep a safe distance from windows, glass structures, and open spaces.
- Clear the Heights: Refrain from standing on rooftops or balconies, as these are high-risk areas during attacks.
- Seek Internal Shelter: Move swiftly to the nearest secure location within a building, preferably an internal room far from glass fixtures.
Instructions for Those Outdoors and Driving
The advisory also provides clear instructions for those who may be caught outside when an alert is issued. Individuals currently outdoors are urged to enter the nearest available building or seek cover behind a sturdy obstacle immediately.
For those on the road, the guidelines state that motorists who receive an alert while driving should pull over safely at the roadside. It is crucial to avoid stopping under or near overpasses and elevated structures, which could be vulnerable.
Avoiding Public Gatherings and Media Recording
In an effort to maintain order and security, the Indian mission has encouraged citizens to steer clear of large gatherings and hazardous zones. Furthermore, there is a strict directive to refrain from taking photographs, filming, or sharing videos and information related to the ongoing security events on social media or other platforms.
Emergency Contacts and Critical Background
The diplomatic mission has highlighted the emergency numbers available for citizens facing imminent threats. Depending on the region, the following numbers should be used:
- 911: For those in the administrative territories of Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, and the Eastern Province.
- 998: For residents in all other districts of Saudi Arabia.
This heightened state of alert follows a series of dangerous incidents, most notably a deadly strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on October 10. That specific attack, carried out by Yemen's Houthi rebels, resulted in the tragic death of an Indian citizen and left several others injured. This event prompted the Embassy to reinforce its precautionary guidance to prevent further loss of life.
Indian nationals are urged to remain calm and strictly comply with all instructions issued by authorized state authorities through official communication channels.