Heat wave claims over 600 lives during Hajj pilgrimage.
This year’s annual Hajj pilgrimage which took place amid scorching heatwave conditions has witnessed over 600 deaths so far, according to latest figures.
An Indian diplomat confirmed 68 Indians lost their lives, some due to natural causes as elderly pilgrims took part. However extreme heat is believed to be a major factor behind many fatalities.
Earlier, Arab sources had stated a death toll of 550 which included 323 Egyptians and 60 Jordanians, mostly due to heat. Indonesians, Iranians, and others from various countries were also among the deceased.
Saudi authorities are yet to provide official numbers but reported over 2,700 cases of heat exhaustion on a single day last week. Egypt has called for an emergency meeting at the Arab League over safety precautions.
Hajj always coincides with the summer months in Saudi, with temperatures soaring this year as well. Experts warn the Mecca region is seeing a rise of 0.4 degrees Celsius each decade due to climate change.
Last year too, over 200 lives were lost during the pilgrimage. But some officials say fatalities are a regular phenomenon and final tallies are awaited. The soaring toll has highlighted concerns about proper facilities, especially for elderly pilgrims.
Meanwhile, condolences are pouring in for the families of deceased pilgrims from different countries who were fulfilling their religious duty in difficult circumstances.
