Indian Consulate staff evacuated in Sydney: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday confirmed that Indian Consulate staff in Sydney has been evacuated as a preventive measure due to the evolving hostage crisis in the city, where at least 13 people are being held in a cafe

"As a preventive measure,in accordance with local requirements,we have evacuated the staff from the consulate building, because it is located about 300-400 metres away from where the incident took place," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.

A helpline number, 0061481453550, has also been set up to provide information.

"We have also set up a helpline and the Deputy Counsel General is available and I can tell you the phone number it is 0061481453550. In case anybody would like to know any information, we would be providing that information. At this stage, all we can do is to keep in touch with local authorities and provide information as and when that is provided to us," Akbaruddin added.

The MEA spokesperson said that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is also in touch with India's High Commissioner to Australia.

"Such incidents are always difficult to handle, but we have standard procedures which are in place in such matters. Our consulate in Sydney has been in touch with the local authorities on the matter. External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj has been in touch with our high commissioner who in turn is in touch with Indian organizations in that area," Akbaruddin said.

As per reports, five people have now reportedly come out of the Martin Place Cafe, although other hostages are still trapped inside with a gunman.

Authorities in Australia have reportedly sealed off surrounding streets in Sydney, evacuated people from buildings, and suspended rail services following the incident.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott also reportedly convened a national security meeting to discuss the response to the hostage-taking.