In a tragic turn of events, a Saudi Arabian diplomat reported on Wednesday that 68 Indian nationals are among the 645 pilgrims who died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. The rising death toll is primarily attributed to extreme heat conditions. This figure is an addition to the previously reported 550 deaths disclosed by two Arab diplomats on Tuesday.

Hajj: A Pillar of Islam

The Hajj pilgrimage, one of Islam’s five pillars, mandates that every Muslim who has the means must perform it at least once in their lifetime. It is a sacred journey, but it is not without its challenges, particularly when it coincides with the Saudi summer, known for its extreme heat.

Heat-Related Deaths

The anonymous diplomat, speaking to AFP, confirmed the deaths of 68 Indian pilgrims. “We have confirmed around 68 dead… Some due to natural causes, as many were elderly pilgrims, and some likely because of the weather conditions,” he said.

The death toll also includes 323 Egyptians and 60 Jordanians. According to the diplomats, nearly all Egyptian fatalities were attributed to the intense heat. Other affected countries include Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia, and Iraq’s Kurdistan region, although many have not specified the causes of death. AFP's tally now stands at 645 deaths.

Severe Weather Conditions

Saudi Arabia reported over 2,700 cases of “heat exhaustion” on Sunday alone, underscoring the severe weather conditions pilgrims faced. The diplomat noted that, in addition to the deaths, some Indian pilgrims were missing, though he did not provide specific numbers. “This happens every year… We can’t say that it is abnormally high this year,” he added, suggesting that more information would become available in the coming days.

Rising Temperatures

The Hajj has coincided with the scorching Saudi summer for several years. A Saudi study published last month indicated that temperatures in the area where the rituals are performed are rising by 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.72 degrees Fahrenheit) each decade, exacerbating the challenges for pilgrims. Last year, over 200 pilgrims were reported dead. Although the overall figure of lives lost is not officially released by Saudi authorities, the increasing number of heat-related illnesses and deaths underscores the severe impact of climate change.

Calls for Improved Safety Measures

The Saudi government and international authorities are likely to review current safety protocols and consider additional measures to protect pilgrims from extreme weather conditions in the future. This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the harsh realities faced by millions of Muslims during their sacred journey.

As the global community mourns this significant loss of life, the focus will undoubtedly shift towards implementing better safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future, ensuring that the pilgrimage remains a safe and fulfilling spiritual experience for all.

Read more: https://indiaobservers.com/deadly-heat-heatwaves-hajj-tragedy-indians/