92 Kannadigas stranded in West Asia; Karnataka activates 24x7 Emergency Centres

92 Kannadigas stranded in West Asia; Karnataka activates 24x7 Emergency Centres

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Mar 2, 2026: Karnataka has activated the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and all District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) to function round-the-clock amid the escalating situation in West Asia, officials said on Sunday.

At least 92 people from the state are currently stranded, including 84 in the UAE and eight in Bahrain.

Authorities said the SEOC and DEOCs are closely monitoring advisories issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian embassies and consulates in the affected countries. The Karnataka Resident Commissioner has also activated the Karnataka Bhavan team in New Delhi to coordinate with central agencies.

Helplines and travel advisories issued by Indian missions abroad have been shared with all districts and widely circulated on official social media platforms, including X and WhatsApp, to reach families of those affected.

Stranded in UAE

According to SEOC data, 84 people from Karnataka are stranded in the UAE, most of them in Dubai.

District-wise figures show Ballari accounts for the highest number at 32, followed by Bengaluru (19), Davangere (8), Chikkamagaluru (5), Kodagu (4), Raichur and Shivamogga (3 each), Kalaburagi, Udupi and Vijayapura (2 each), and Chikkaballapura and Tumakuru (1 each). Officials said the majority of those stranded in the UAE are tourists.

Stranded in Bahrain

In Bahrain, eight persons from Karnataka have reported being stranded — four from Hassan, three from Udupi and one from Kodagu. Officials said they are on employment and visit visas.

Details of all 92 individuals have been shared with the MEA’s Rapid Response Cell and the Resident Commissioner’s office for further action.

Authorities said the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) affecting flight operations in the region will be reviewed on Monday. If instability persists, restrictions may be extended.

Officials urged families to remain in contact with district authorities and rely only on verified government advisories.

Chief Secretary Writes to Centre

Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh has written to the Union government seeking urgent assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of stranded Kannadigas.

In her letter to MEA Secretary Vikram Misri, she requested:

* Necessary assistance through Indian embassies and consulates in conflict zones.

* Priority evacuation or special repatriation measures, if required.

* A dedicated coordination mechanism between the Centre and the state for timely information-sharing.

* She said the state government would designate nodal officers to streamline communication and facilitate return arrangements.

* In a separate letter to Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, she sought urgent intervention for tourists unable to return due to flight disruptions. She urged coordination with airlines to provide assistance, including complimentary boarding and lodging for stranded passengers with confirmed return bookings.

* She also requested flexibility in ticket rescheduling, waiver of additional charges, and operation of adequate flights once the situation normalises.

Munish Moudgil, Relief Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Disaster Management Department, advised Kannadigas in affected regions to strictly follow local government advisories, contact Indian missions through helplines, and register on the Sarthi Sahayata portal and other official embassy portals. For visa-related matters, they have been advised to contact the nearest FRRO.

Separately, the Bengaluru Urban district administration has initiated measures to assist residents stranded in conflict-affected regions. Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesha G has urged family members to share details with the District Disaster Management Centre for necessary action.

Affected individuals or their relatives may contact:

Phone: 080-22967200

WhatsApp: 810599707 / 9538047199

Indian embassy helplines across West Asia have also been issued for public reference.