The Andhra Pradesh government has opened a control room at the Hyderabad airport to provide necessary assistance to people returning from the Gulf in the wake of the war in Iraq.

It would function under the supervision of the additional director (protocol) and provide information regarding the arrival/departure of flights from and to Kuwait and other Gulf countries.

Deputy Director (Protocol) K Krishna would be available on phone numbers (040) 27903710 and 9848044745 and Additional Director (Protocol) M Jagannadhan could be reached on phone numbers (040) 23242644 and 9848054744.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has instructed the secretary (political) in the General Administration Department to keep in touch with the Indian embassies in the Gulf countries and regularly monitor the situation.

He has asked officials to apprise him of day-to-day developments in the region.

"The state government is fully aware of the anxiety of the people now working in Gulf nations. We will extend all possible assistance and ensure their safety and welfare," Naidu said.