90 Indian Hajj pilgrims Die Due to Scorching Heat in Mecca

New Delhi: At least 90 Indian nationals have died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, which has been marred by an intense heatwave, reported India Today on Thursday quoting sources.

According to the news agency AFP, a total number of Hajj pilgrims reported dead so far is 645. Most of these deaths were due to heatwaves.

Earlier, an Arab diplomat, on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that at least 68 Indian nationals died during the Hajj pilgrimage.

Several Indians are reported to be missing too.

Earlier on Tuesday, Arab diplomats confirmed that at least 550 pilgrims had died this year, the majority due to the soaring temperatures in Mecca, reported AFP.

Around 1.8 million people from across the globe reached Mecca for Hajj pilgrimage this year, while temperatures crossed 50 degrees Celsius in the area, which are the highest in recent decades.

A Saudi study revealed that temperatures in the pilgrimage area have risen by 0.4 degrees Celsius per decade. In 2023, more than 200 pilgrims died during Hajj due to heat-related stress.