Indian workers affected by fire given refuge at consulate in Dubai

Dubai, Aug 28 : The 42 Indian workers, mostly from Andhra Pradesh, whose belongings were reduced to ashes in a devastating fire at their villa on Tuesday in Dubai's Naif area, have been given refuge in the Indian consulate here.

The ten workers who were killed in the fire hailed from Metpally Taluka in the Telengana region of Andhra.

Temporary arrangements have been made for the consulate to provide the workers with food and shelter. Most of the Indian workers at the villa were staying illegally.

Venu Rajamony, the Indian Consul General, on Wednesday visited the area in Naif where the 30-room villa complex stood, and met the affected Indian workers who had been gathered in large numbers since the morning.

Survivors of the fire were looking to salvage whatever was left of their belongings, but were restricted from entering the premises by Dubai police. Others had gathered to seek information on their friends and relatives, reported the Gulf News.

Rajamony said that a large number of Indians who were living in the villa were there illegally. "As of now, the consulate is looking after the survivors, but soon they have to sort out their papers and take the first flight home. About 42 workers have been given shelter at a labour accommodation located in Al Quoz. We have also allocated some funds to them for their survival," he added.

ANI