New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) With the situation in Yemen worsening by the day, India Saturday set up helplines for Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who still remain in the violence-hit Arab nation and reiterated its advisory for them to leave the country as soon as possible.Keeping in view the evolving situation and to provide information and assistance to PIOs as also Indian nationals and heir family members, India's external affairs ministry and the Indian embassy in Sana'a have set up these helplines. The contact details are -- +91 11 2301 5300 and +91 11 2301 2113; Fax: +91 11 2301 8158; and e-mail: controlroom@mea.gov.in.

More than a week ago, the external affairs ministry advised Indian nationals in Yemen to exit the country through available commercial means. The ministry Saturday repeated its advice as over 10,000 PIOs and Indian nationals are still estimated to be in Yemen.

In an advisory issued May 27, the PIOs and Indian nationals were also advised that till they exit, they should not venture out except under absolutely unavoidable circumstances.

Violent clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces are spreading fast in Yemen, where people are demanding the end of the 33-year rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.