Published Mar 01, 2026 | 2:07 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 01, 2026 | 2:07 PM
Multiple explosions were reported from Juffair, Bahrain. (Video grab/Supplied)
Synopsis: As the Israel-Iran conflict intensified following coordinated military strikes in the Middle East, Kerala’s NORKA Roots department has reported a significant influx of inquiries from concerned expatriates and their families. Callers sought verified information on flight disruptions, cancellations, travel and safety advisories, and possible evacuation options.
As the Israel-Iran conflict intensified following coordinated military strikes in the Middle East, Kerala’s NORKA Roots department has reported a significant influx of inquiries on Sunday, 1 March, from concerned expatriates and their families.
The escalation in hostilities across the region has also drawn a sharp political response from the CPI(M) State Secretariat, which condemned what it described as an imperialist war.
According to NORKA Roots, a special helpdesk set up for Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) and their families received a total of 381 calls by 11.30 am on Sunday.
Of these, 137 were from abroad and 244 from within India, officials said after a review meeting at the Thycaud NORKA Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
Callers sought verified information on flight disruptions, cancellations, travel and safety advisories, and many asked about possible evacuation options from Gulf countries where hundreds of Malayali expatriates live and work.
NORKA Roots CEO Ajit Kolassery said those who contacted the helpdesk are currently safe, but ongoing tension and repeated attacks in the region have heightened anxiety among families back home.
The helpdesk will continue to operate as the situation evolves, with coordination ongoing between the Kerala government, the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, Loka Kerala Sabha members and expatriate organisations.
Authorities reiterated that NRKs in affected countries should rely on official government advisories and stay connected to their missions for the latest updates.
Meanwhile, the CPI(M) State Secretariat issued a strongly worded statement blaming U.S. foreign policy and what it described as a quest for global domination for the outbreak of war.
The party criticised recent events, including the reported death of #Iran’s #SupremeLeader, and called for strong popular protests against U.S. and allied policies, arguing that the conflict casts a “dark shadow” over the lives of expatriates who are crucial to Kerala’s economy.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
