Ramechhap, March 19 -- Debendra Kumar Shrestha of Puranagaun in Manthali Municipality-9 in Ramechhap district had an almost first-hand experience of the rising tensions in West Asia while in Dubai.

Although there was no direct attack, shockwaves from explosions were felt in his residence. "When bombs exploded, the house shook like a jolt during an earthquake," Shrestha said. "There is no major damage in Dubai, but the sound and vibrations from explosions create fear."

Shrestha, 38, who lived near Discovery Gardens and worked at a five-star hotel in Jumeirah Village Circle, was earning over Rs 80,000 a month and had planned to continue work for another decade. But he returned home within 12 days of the conflict starting on February 28, 2...