Hyderabad: A
Hyderabad-based ophthalmologist, Dr Umesh Bhammarkar, endured a terrifying
experience after being stranded in Kuwait amid sudden unrest, eventually
escaping after an arduous 1,460-km journey across the desert. An avid traveller
who has visited 22 countries, Dr Bhammarkar had not anticipated that his 23rd
destination would turn into such a distressing episode. Also Read:Hyderabad Pharma Firm, Directors Under Scanner Over Alleged Rs 4.29 Cr Loan FraudHe arrived in Kuwait City
on February 28 and was scheduled to return the very next day. However, within
an hour of leaving the airport, attacks broke out across the city, plunging the
region into chaos and uncertainty. What was intended to be a brief visit
quickly turned into a prolonged and alarming situation, reports The Times of India.
In an attempt to return
home, Dr Bhammarkar booked two separate flights that appeared operational at
the time. However, upon reaching the airport, he found it closed, leaving him
stranded with no immediate way out. With limited options available, he remained
stuck in the conflict-hit area until he managed to secure a seat on a tourist
bus heading to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of his long escape
through the desert.
According to the Daily, ultimately,
he found a 1,460-km road stretch from Kuwait to Jeddah. The doctor stated that
he has to take a 26-hour bus journey across the desert along with many other passengers.
The whole journey was physically and emotionally exhausting. He described the experience
as being similar to crossing no man’s land, especially the time when they
had to travel between two countries, as it was an extremely frightening moment
of the trip.Also Read:Hyderabad hospital booked for alleged negligence after dialysis patient diesAfter reaching
Jeddah, he finally managed to get on a flight that was travelling to Mumbai, and
she finally reached home on March 7, 2026, reports The Daily. While remembering
the scarring incident, Dr Bhammarkar said, “When I arrived in Kuwait City,
I was unaware of the situation. I was out in the city until evening, when my
wife called to check on me. I then returned to my hotel and prepared to leave
the next day.” His friends helped him to reach a safe place, and then he
boarded the tourist bus to Jeddah, making the experience an unforgettable journey
for him.