‘We heard explosions, then the windows shook': Indians in Qatar recount Iran's missile strikes
'It shook all over,' a 36-year-old resident from Bin Mahmud of Qatar's Doha told The Indian Express late Monday night, as he described the barrage of Iranian missiles that targeted the Al Udeid Air Base, southwest of the capital.
'First, we heard explosions – four to five. Then the windows shook,' the Indian resident who hails from Kerala said. 'This is the first time that Doha has felt unsafe,' he said, adding he has been in the Qatari capital for more than 10 years.
In another neighbourhood, nearby, Indian residents were staring at the debris that had fallen near their home, speculating that these were 'missile pieces'. A resident, who did not wish to be identified, said, 'First we heard a big explosion and then fragments of something fell near our home.' The residents have been taking videos of these objects. 'We have been sending it to our families back home in Kerala. It is scary.'
Another resident said that ever since hostilities peaked between Iran and Israel, 'people have been storing essential goods… as if expecting something untoward'. He said there have been queues at supermarkets in Doha for the past few days.\
Qatar is a country where more than 8 lakh Indians live and work. The Indian embassy in Doha said, 'In view of the ongoing situation, the Indian community in Qatar is urged to be cautious and remain indoors. Please remain calm and follow local news, instructions and guidance provided by Qatari authorities. The Embassy will also keep updating through our social media channels.'
The Indian community is the largest expat community in the country, which has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.
'We want the situation to be peacefully resolved soon. Qatar has been home for long; we cannot leave everything behind,' said another resident.
While condemning the attack on the US airbase in its country, Qatar has said it successfully intercepted the missiles, and no casualties were reported, Reuters reported. It also said its airspace was now safe. The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait have also closed their airspaces.
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