Tearful reunions as stranded Keralites return from Oman

Kochi, Jun 9 (UNI) Anxious relatives thronging the Nedumbaserry International Airport breathed a sigh of relief as their near ones, stranded in Oman due to cyclone Gonu, arrived here this morning with Oman Air resuming its services from Muscat after a gap of four days.

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

A total of 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 losses suffered by them back in Oman. ''All our belongings are gone as the water rushed upto 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 first flight to land from Oman after several airlines suspended their operations to the Gulf country four days ago.

Flights to Oman also resumed this morning with WY828 departing at 1030 hours with 115 passengers and Gulf Air 271 leaving with 33 passengers. Indian Airlines is also scheduled to operate its flight IC973 to Muscat this evening, the sources said.

Meanwhile, there was happy news for Ernakulam couple Yaqoob and Eliyamma, 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