SAns in Middle East describe shock of hearing, witnessing explosions in real time

Some South Africans who have been in the Middle East during the latest military escalation have described the shock of hearing and witnessing explosions in real time.

This, as tensions in the Middle East worsened over the weekend, with ongoing airstrikes, involving Iran, Israel and the United States (US).

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The conflict has resulted in the closure of airspace in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), leading to the cancellation of flights to and from South Africa.

Scores of travellers have been stranded in Dubai, with no clear indication of when they will be able to return home.

From defence sirens in Dubai warning residents to take cover, to bomber drones striking a luxury apartment building in Bahrain, fear and panic continue to grip parts of the Middle East.

Tracey Lange, a South African and KFM radio presenter who is currently in Dubai, said it has been a shock to her system to hear multiple explosions within close proximity.

“I would say there was at least one blast per hour, which I heard overnight. Things seemed to calm down, but from earlier this morning, just after 6 o’clock, it started again, and there was quite a bit. The government has confirmed that the sounds that we are hearing are missiles and drones being intercepted, which is really great news.”

While she is not necessarily stranded and has been in Dubai for quite some time, she said she has been in contact with the South African embassy.

“We have received information on where we can send our details to ensure we are registered. So that they know that people need to be accounted for. That is, it at this moment when it comes to the SA embassy.”

So far, at least 18 flights between the UAE and South Africa have been cancelled.