NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that preparations have begun to evacuate Indians from Sudan, where civil unrest is raging. Two eC-130J aircraft of the Air Force are ready and stationed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Naval warship INS Sumedha arrived at Sudan port.

An airlift is being sought as land travel is dangerous, but Sudanese airspace remains closed as fierce fighting continues in various parts of the capital, Khartoum. The Ministry of External Affairs said that they have contacted the stranded Indians through the Indian Embassy. The possibility of safe travel is being discussed. The Ministry of External Affairs also said that the government is making every effort to ensure the safety of Indians. 'The situation is being closely monitored and we are in constant touch with the Sudanese authorities through the Indian Embassy, ​​Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, the US, and the United Nations', the ministry said.

Control room in Kerala House

A 24-hour help desk for Malayalis stranded in Sudan's civil conflict areas has started at Kerala House in Delhi.

Phone No: 011- 23747079.

Kerala government's special representative Prof KV Thomas demanded that the stranded people be brought home safely.