In a tragic turn of events, around 68 Indian pilgrims are reportedly among the scores of people who have died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, according to a diplomat’s statement to news agency AFP. As of Tuesday, the death toll has reached at least 550, which includes 323 Egyptians succumbing to heat-related illnesses, as reported by the international news agency, citing two Arab diplomats.
According to Saudi media reports, temperatures soared to an unprecedented 51.8 degrees Celsius in the shade at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Monday. This extreme heat has been a significant factor in the high mortality rate among the pilgrims. Despite the high temperatures, Saudi authorities initially did not notice any unusual number of deaths among the pilgrims. However, recent reports have highlighted the severe impact of the extreme heat on the health of the participants. A Saudi health official told news agency Reuters that, before these death reports, there had been no significant increase in the number of fatalities.
The Saudi government, which oversees the organization and safety of the Hajj pilgrimage, has yet to issue a detailed statement regarding the measures taken to mitigate the impact of the extreme weather conditions.
On June 14, the annual Hajj pilgrimage began with millions of Muslims from around the world traveling to Mecca in order to fulfill a once-in-a-lifetime religious duty. The pilgrimage, known for its physically demanding rituals, concluded on Wednesday, June 19.
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, continues to attract millions of devout Muslims each year, despite the challenges posed by the harsh desert climate.