Jamaican flight attendant fearful in missile-hit Qatar

Just days ago, Lisa* was living what she described as her dream life, seeing the world as a flight attendant based in Qatar.

But today, instead of soaring above the clouds, she is confined indoors as explosions rumble across the Middle East amid escalating military tensions between the US and Iran.

"Qatar was a dream, honestly. It's so peaceful, quiet, and family-oriented. The country is advanced, beautiful, and very religious. I've never felt safer anywhere else. I could walk the streets at night without any form of fear. My life was pretty simple. I get in from a flight, shower, sleep, eat, repeat. That was my routine. No missiles, no worries," she said.

That sense of safety was shattered last Saturday when missiles sent residents scrambling through the streets of the capital Doha. This followed Iran's launch of drones and missiles targeting Israel and US military installations in the Middle East, after joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian territory. Iran has since targeted neighbouring countries hosting American military bases, including Qatar. For Lisa, the first explosion remains unforgettable.

"I was scared out of my mind. I was crying because at one point I was stuck outside. My key card to enter the building froze at the exact moment of the first bomb. I had to be let in by security," she recalled.

But even after reaching the safety of her apartment, the reality of navigating a crisis alone in a foreign country sank in.

"I was even more scared when I wasn't able to get hold of my family. It was around 4:20 a.m. in Jamaica," she told THE STAR. Here in Jamaica, her relatives remain glued to news coverage, anxiously awaiting updates but stricken with fear and concern.

"They're watching the news non-stop, asking me if I'm okay. They're scared, really scared, and keep telling me to come home as soon as I can. They're just worried and want me safe," she said.

Lisa said that after the initial panic, she switched into survival mode.

"I started thinking about the quickest way to get out of my building, what to pack in case I need to leave fast, and just being on alert," she said.

The unfolding crisis comes during Ramadan, a sacred period on the Islamic calendar marked by prayer, reflection and community. She noted that the holy time, which began on February 17, would normally see lively streets, especially around sunrise and sunset.

"Now, it's like a ghost town. No one is outside, just birds and cats. Delivery services are all paused, and some supermarkets are running 24/7. But other than that, everything's shut down. Schools are closed, businesses are closed, and everyone's working from home. It's eerie, to be honest. There's no life anywhere."

The silence, she said, is repeatedly pierced by emergency alerts blaring from mobile phones - government warnings to residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.

"I have to admit this was even scarier. Imagine finally falling asleep and being awakened by this high pitch, wailing sound indicating to not leave home under any circumstances unless absolutely necessary. It's like being in a movie or something. I couldn't believe it was real," she emphasised.

Though authorities in Qatar continue efforts to intercept incoming missiles, she admitted that she is constantly on edge. Jamaica's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has urged Jamaicans in the conflict region to exercise vigilance, take shelter where necessary and avoid travel at this time. Lisa said all she can do is wait and hope.

"I stay inside and try to stay calm. I know where the nearest underground shelter is, just in case, but it's mostly just about hoping things don't get worse."

Sleep deprived and emotionally drained, she said that it's hard to stay calm as every sound can be mistaken for another missile.

"I've become so paranoid. Every time I hear something, my heart races, and I freeze. I haven't really slept since all this started, just a few hours here and there. It's exhausting." She admitted that she is now in limbo.

"I kept thinking, 'Do I really want to stay here after all this? Is it worth it?' It was a lot to process."

*name changed to protect identity