• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates, a 40-year-old mountaineer and assistant professor from Kolkata, Falguni Dey, remains stranded in central Tehran, facing fear, running low on resources, and increasing desperation. Dey, who went to Iran to climb Mount Damavand, the highest volcanic peak in Asia, is now considering a dangerous road escape into nearby countries such as Turkey, Armenia, or Azerbaijan, after his return flight from the country was cancelled when Iranian airspace was closed. “The moment I came back to Tehran from the mountains, I realized something was terribly wrong. Explosions at night, thick smoke during the day—it’s a war zone,” Dey told PTI over the phone from his hotel room in Tehran. Stranded single in the Iranian capital for more than a decade, Dey has hardly slept amid the sounds of bombings and drone attacks reportedly launched by Israeli forces. "I am afraid the next missile might hit this hotel," he said.

Dream of Climbing Turns into Survival Crisis

They reached Iran on June 5 to climb Mount Damavand (5,610 metres), his third high-profile volcanic peak following earlier conquests of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus. He went back to Tehran after his climb was aborted just 400 metres from the summit due to a blizzard. “I had a return ticket for the next day. But all flights were cancelled as Iranian airspace was shut down. Since then, I’ve been stuck,” said Dey, who teaches at Women’s Christian College in south Kolkata. Despite being in touch with the Indian Embassy in Tehran, Dey said, “They have given me protocols to follow and advised me to stay indoors, but I’m running out of money and patience,” he said.

ALSO READ: Need Help In Tehran? India Sets Up Control Room, Evacuates Students Via Armenia As Israel-Iran War Escalates | Updates

Amid the escalating tensions and local banks being shut, Dey says he will try to exit over the land border to an adjacent country. "The closest border is more than 1,000 kilometres away, and I don't even know which country I will be entering yet," he said, noting that a local travel agency has approached him offering assistance with transportation and documentation. “The Indian government and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar must intervene. I also appeal to the West Bengal government to act immediately and rescue stranded citizens like me,” Dey added.

ALSO READ: What Indians In Tehran Should Do As Israel-Iran War Escalates: Here’s What MEA Advises

According to recent international reports, at least 224 individuals have been reported dead in Iran and 24 have been killed in Israel since the conflict started five days ago. Both countries' military and civilian areas have been hit by drone attacks and missile strikes. In the midst of escalating tensions, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released an advisory on Tuesday calling for all Indians in Tehran to relocate away from the city using private means. The MEA, in a statement, stated, "All Indian Nationals and PIOs who can move out of Tehran using their own resources are advised to move to a safe location outside the City." The Indian Embassy in Tehran also shared emergency phone numbers on social media, asking all Indian nationals who are not already in contact to inform them of their location.