Hundreds of Pilgrims, Including 68 Indians, Pass Away During Hajj in Mecca

Riyadh, Jun 19: This year’s hajj pilgrimage has seen the passing of 645 pilgrims, including 68 Indians, according to a Saudi diplomat who spoke anonymously.

The diplomat noted that the deaths were due to various factors such as natural causes and the challenging weather conditions, which have been particularly severe this year.

Earlier reports from Arab diplomats indicated that among the deceased were 323 Egyptians and 60 Jordanians, with many of the Egyptian deaths attributed to the extreme heat.

Other countries such as Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia, and Iraq’s Kurdistan region have also reported fatalities among their pilgrims, although specific causes have not been disclosed in all cases.

Despite the unfortunate loss of lives, the Saudi diplomat pointed out that such incidents are not uncommon during the hajj pilgrimage, which is a significant religious duty for Muslims.

Given that the pilgrimage occurs during the hot Saudi summer, concerns have been raised about the rising temperatures in the areas where rituals are performed. A recent Saudi study indicated a gradual increase in temperatures in these regions over the decades.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are expected to provide further details on the circumstances of the deaths and any measures being taken to support affected pilgrims.