The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah has issued a special safety advisory for Sri Lankan nationals residing in the western region of Saudi Arabia, amid emerging developments in the area. The Consulate has urged Sri Lankans to remain vigilant and follow the recommended safety measures if they receive an emergency alert on their mobile phones. 

In the event of an emergency, residents in the Makkah and Madinah regions have been advised to contact 911, while those in other parts of Saudi Arabia should call 998 for emergency services. Sri Lankan nationals requiring urgent assistance can also contact the Consulate General through its emergency hotline at 0560986671. Given the elevated risk to the public, the Consulate — which holds jurisdiction over the entire western region — has issued an advisory in accordance with local authority guidelines. 

Sri Lankan nationals are strictly advised to refrain from photographing or video recording any security-related incidents, as well as sharing or commenting on such posts online. Currently there are no reports of any Sri Lankan being injured.

Earlier on Tuesday (15), Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts warning of a “potential danger” in Jeddah, Mecca and Taif in the country’s west, urging residents to seek shelter and follow official safety instructions, Anadolu reports. The alerts were issued through the National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies, according to the Saudi Civil Defence.