Amid mounting security concerns driven by threats of attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has been placed on high alert. In response to the volatile environment, the mission issued a dedicated advisory for Indian nationals on Sunday, urging them to remain vigilant and closely follow safety instructions disseminated by Saudi authorities through the national emergency early warning platform.
Adhering to National Emergency Platform Directives
The guidelines, which were shared across social media platforms, advise residents to stay calm, adhere strictly to official instructions, and immediately move to the safest indoor location within a building upon receiving an emergency alert. Citizens have been instructed to remain inside their homes or buildings until the danger has completely passed, ensuring they stay away from open spaces, windows, glass panes, and avoid stepping onto balconies or rooftops.
Precautions for Outdoor Residents and Motorists
Individuals caught outdoors when an alert is issued have been advised to seek shelter inside the nearest building or take cover behind a sturdy wall. Furthermore, people are instructed to steer clear of crowded or hazardous areas and refrain from taking photographs or recording videos of security incidents. Motorists who receive a warning while driving are directed to pull over safely on the roadside, keeping a safe distance from bridges, overpasses, and high-rise structures.
Emergency Contact Numbers Across Regions
To assist citizens during a crisis, the advisory highlights specific emergency helpline numbers. Individuals facing any danger or emergency in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province can call the emergency number 911. For those located in the rest of Saudi Arabia, assistance can be reached by dialing 998.
Escalating Tensions and Past Casualties
This renewed safety advisory comes in the wake of escalating security anxieties fueled by recurring drone and missile attacks orchestrated by Houthi rebels from Yemen targeting locations within Saudi Arabia. The heightened threat landscape includes a lethal attack that struck the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10. That incident resulted in the tragic death of one Indian national and left several others injured, prompting the Indian Embassy to reiterate and reinforce its safety guidelines.
Reiteration of Previous Public Appeals
The embassy's latest guidance builds directly upon the urgent appeal issued immediately after the October 10 attack, which urged Indian expatriates to comply with local authorities, shelter indoors during air raid scenarios, and strictly avoid recording, publishing, or sharing any imagery, videos, or details related to ongoing security events.
