Tearful reunions as Keralites return from Oman

Kochi, Jun 9: Anxious relatives thronging the NedumbaserryInternational Airport heaved a sigh of relief as their near ones,stranded in Oman due to cyclone Gonu, arrived here this morning withOman Air resuming its services from Muscat after a gap of four days.

As the beaming passengers of WY827 from Muscat came out of thearrival terminal around 0830 hrs, their relatives rushed to meet them.Several tearful hugs were witnessed as old parents reunited with theirreturning children and grandchildren.

Altogether 155 passengers, including more than 40 women and 30 children, came by the Oman Air flight.

While happy to be back, some of the passengers mourned the lossessuffered by them back in Oman. ''All our belongings are gone as thewater rushed up to our first floor flat,'' said one of them.

Others spoke of tense days spent huddled with neighbours as strong winds and waves whirled around their houses.

Nedumbaserry International Airport sources said this was the firstflight to land from Oman after several airlines suspended theiroperations to the Gulf country four days ago.

Flights to Oman also resumed this morning with WY828 departing at1030 hrs with 115 passengers and Gulf Air 271 leaving with 33passengers. Indian Airlines is also scheduled to operate its flightIC973 to Muscat this evening, the sources said.

Meanwhile, there was happy news for Ernakulam couple Yaqoob andEliyamma, whose son Binu, reported among the five missing Malayalees,called home to say he was safe.

''I had never stopped praying. It is thanks to God's grace that our son is well,'' Mr Yaqoob said.

UNI

Related Stories