From panic to precaution: many from Telangana stranded, some in ‘safe zone’

Massive disruptions following strikes by United States and Israel on Iran, which threw the situation in the Gulf region into uncertainty, have left many from the Telangana region stranded.

Awaiting a safe flight back when Middle East airspace resumes, tourists, families and prominent public figures took to social media to describe their situation. However, several others, such as students and those working in various parts of and around the main city of Dubai, say they are in a safe zone and are strictly following official instructions.

Tollywood actor and president of Movie Artists Association, Vishnu Manchu shared a video on ‘X’ of himself and his family witnessing missiles across the sky. He said the loud interceptions shook his home and left his daughter scared.

But according to some others, the situation was normal, although tension was palpable, especially as officials issued strict instructions to avoid travel and to stay indoors.

T. Vijay Kumar, a resident of Uppal whose daughter is an MBA student at Middlesex University Dubai, said there was more panic because of social media, but the real situation was comparatively normal. “I spoke to my daughter, Malavika, in the afternoon and the night before. She is in her rented accommodation in the city and is safe. She says the social media narrative is exaggerated and that we should not panic,” he said.

Another resident from Hyderabad, living and working as an IT consultant in Al Ain (UAE), about 130 km from Dubai, said the situation was normal.

Some others who spoke to The Hindu also said they were taking precautions such as following official advisories, emergency food supplies, and having quick access to documents and valuables in case of emergency evacuation.