Panic has gripped Goan families as tensions between Iran and its adversaries spilled into the Gulf, with Tehran targeting multiple coun tries in the region over the weekend. Explosions, heightened military activi ty and sudden airspace re strictions across the Middle East have left thousands of Goans feeling insecure — and, with flights cancelled or suspended, effectively stranded. Reports of strikes and security alerts in the Unit ed Arab Emirates and Bah rain triggered immediate alarm in Goa, where nearly every family has a relative working somewhere in the Gulf. With large Goan pop ulations in Qatar, Dubai, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the fear has been immediate and deeply personal. In Kuwait, Eusebio Cola co emphasised the impor tance of remaining alert and avoiding unnecessary travel. “We are following all instructions from the local authorities. Civilians have been advised to stay indoors during peak hours of tension, but there is no reason to panic,” he added.
For many, however, the advisory to remain indoors only underscores the seriousness of the situation. With com mercial flights disrupted and several routes abruptly can celled, options to leave have narrowed sharply. “We are safe here. The authorities are monitoring the sit uation closely, and strict security measures are in place. Of course, it’s unsettling, but the situation is under control,” said Alex Fernandes, a Dubai-based Goan living with his wife and young son. In Doha, Rita D’Souza described a tense but functioning city. “Military installations were the targets, not residen tial areas. There have been some disruptions to flights and transport, but everyday life is continuing with caution. Pan ic is unnecessary.” Back home in Goa, reassurance has done little to calm nerves. “Even though my brother keeps telling me everything is fine, it’s hard not to worry. The news keeps changing, and the uncertainty is the most difficult part,” said Meera Naik, whose sibling works in Riyadh. Community associations across the Gulf have activated emergency helplines, urging expatriates to remain indoors, avoid crowded areas and strictly follow official advisories. However, the suspension and rerouting of flights have in tensified a growing sense of vulnerability — the fear that if the conflict escalates further, there may be no quick way out. While analysts note that the strikes have so far focused on strategic installations, the unpredictability of a wid ening regional conflict weighs heavily on the diaspora. Families in Goa remain glued to television screens and mobile phones, tracking updates, forming WhatsApp groups and sharing information in a desperate search for clarity. For now, Goans in the Gulf are staying put and bracing for further developments. They continue to reassure relatives that the situation is manageable — even as sirens, visible security patrols and the uncertainty of cancelled flights reinforce a sobering reality: tensions remain high, and the margin for safety feels increasingly fragile.
