Emergency assistance centres in the Netherlands are receiving a continuous stream of calls from citizens stranded in the Middle East. The conflict involving Iran has caused a sharp rise in inquiries at SOS International, Eurocross, and the ANWB Alarm Centre. Most travellers are currently seeking information regarding return flights and the reimbursement of unexpected accommodation costs.
Rising volume of emergency calls
SOS International director Violette Hasselmeijer confirmed that her team handled 140 new requests between Monday and Tuesday morning. This follows a busy period where the centre managed between 200 and 300 questions daily. Similarly, Eurocross has now recorded approximately 250 requests for assistance. A spokesperson noted that many travellers are stuck in the United Arab Emirates, which serves as a major international transit hub.
The ANWB Alarm Centre has also documented roughly 250 reports from the region. According to a spokesperson, callers primarily want to know how quickly they can return home. Furthermore, many individuals are asking whether their insurance providers will cover the extra expenses incurred during their forced stay.
Essential contact information
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national emergency centres have provided the following contact details for those requiring immediate assistance:
| Organisation | International Phone Number |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BZ) | +31 247 247 247 |
| ANWB Alarm Centre | +31 70 314 14 14 |
| Eurocross Assistance | +31 71 364 62 00 |
| SOS International | +31 20 651 51 51 |
Stranded citizens are also urged to register their details via the official NetherlandsWorldwide Crisis Contact Form to help coordinate repatriation efforts.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
