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Life appears to be going on as usual in Doha, Qatar — but with the unsettling sound of missiles exploding in the background
"It's hard to say. It is calm, but deep down your heart still races," said Salmah (not her real name), who is currently in the Qatari capital.
Salmah, who lives about an hour away from the US military base in the city, said residents had anticipated the conflict for about a month.
"Today (Tuesday) is the fourth day. Even before the first bomb fell, we were already expecting it because we had been closely following the talks between the countries involved.
"So mentally we were prepared, but of course the fear is still there," she said.
Salmah said the Qatari government had also been proactive in keeping residents informed and prepared.
"We have an emergency alert system that is normally used to warn residents about sandstorms, for example.
"When a storm is expected, our mobile phones emit a loud alarm.
"Now whenever a missile is about to land, we receive an alarm to warn us," she said.
Salmah, who lives about an hour away from the US military base in the city, said it is business as usual.
Image via Interviewee (Provided to SAYS)Although the targeted areas are far from her home, Salmah said the explosions can still be heard clearly, causing windows and doors to rattle.
"It sounds like very loud fireworks. Those in nearby areas might feel slight tremors, but in my case, only the windows and doors shake a little.
"But it is still frightening because we know it's not fireworks," she said.
Salmah said this was not her first time living in a conflict zone.
About 20 years ago, the mother of three went through a similar period while residing in an African country.
"It was worse there. There was a curfew and there were casualties.
"But even now, we remain uncertain — anything can happen.
"So please keep us in your prayers," she said.
Shopping malls and some offices remain open but many local residents are working from home.
Image via Interviewee (Provided to SAYS)Salmah said most daily routines, however, continue as normal.
"People are still going to work as usual, although some are working from home.
"Hospitals and shopping malls are operating as usual.
"Children are attending school online for now, but other than that, you can still see them playing in front of their houses," she said, adding that rumours circulating on social media are often exaggerated.
Having lived there for about 16 years, Salmah said leaving Qatar — which has long been the family's source of livelihood — is not something they are considering.
"It is our home, especially for my youngest, who grew up here.
"My eldest is now working here too.
"So we feel sad whenever people ask us to return. It is not easy to pack up our entire lives and start anew," she said.
However, she said her family and other Malaysians plan to drive to Saudi Arabia — about a two-hour journey — if the situation worsens.
Salmah said the latest bombing occurred at 4am on Tuesday, local time.
