new Delhi: With thousands of Indian nationals yet to be evacuated from Ukraine, especially Kharkiv, the Defense Ministry on Thursday released a list of do’s and don’ts for students stranded in the war-torn country.
The Defense Ministry said in a statement that each group of Indians should carry a white flag or white cloth to be waved.
“Conserve and share food and water. You should stay hydrated, avoid full meals and eat smaller portions to increase rations,” it said.
In recent days, Russia has started shelling several key sites in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and the country’s second largest city Kharkiv.
The ministry said air strikes, aircraft or drone strikes, missile strikes, artillery fire, small arms fire, grenade explosions are some of the “potentially dangerous or difficult situations” that can be “expected” in Kharkiv.
use of Molotov cocktails, building collapses, internet jams, power or lack of food or water, exposure to freezing temperatures, psychological trauma, injuries, lack of transportation and even face-to-face situations with armed fighters or military personnel may have to face.
Russia-Ukraine conflict: read full coverage
The guidelines state that Indians stranded in Kharkiv should carry a small kit of essential items on hand or on hand round the clock. The ministry further said, “If you find yourself in an open area or field, melt the ice to make water.”
“If available, keep one large garbage bag per person on the ground to use as a mat or for use during rain or cold or storm exposure or during forced marches or evacuations,” it suggested.
The statement further asked the stranded Indians to organize themselves into small groups or squads of 10 and within that “settle the buddy/pair system/designate a coordinator and a deputy coordinator”.
“Your presence and whereabouts should always be known to your friend or small group coordinator,” the ministry said.
Under ‘Operation Ganga’, thousands of Indians stranded in Ukraine amid Russian aggression have been brought back to India by evacuation flights.
Read | 3,000 Indians brought back in 24 hours, 18 more flights scheduled, says MEA
Out of 20,000 Indians stranded in war-torn Ukraine, more than 6,400 Indians have been brought back to the country so far.
As Ukraine shuts down its airspace due to conflict with Russia, India is evacuating its citizens via land routes to the eastern European country’s neighbors – Romania, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. .