Officials at the Kerala government’s department for non-resident Keralites, NORKA ROOTS, said they are in touch with the Indian embassy in Qatar to get further details. “At present, we only know of one death of a person from Kerala. We are yet to get further official details from the embassy,” said a spokesperson for NORKA ROOTS.

‘Technical malfunction’

Referring to the incident, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior said it was caused by a “technical malfunction” during operations. A total of 13 people died, 12 of whom were Indians. “Qatari authorities have confirmed that 12 Indian nationals have unfortunately passed away in the Ras Laffan incident yesterday night. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls,” the Indian embassy in Doha said in a post on X on Monday.

“Qatari authorities have also confirmed that all those who got injured in the incident are in stable condition and are receiving appropriate medical treatment. Our embassy is working in close contact with the Qatari authorities to extend all possible help to the Indian nationals and their families affected by this incident, including ensuring that mortal remains of the deceased are sent to India at the earliest,” it said.

The Indian community is the largest expatriate group in Qatar, with over 830,000 Indian nationals residing and working across various industries. Ras Laffan is Qatar’s central natural gas hub, employing thousands of engineers, technicians and manual labourers, many of whom are Indians.