Hajj pilgrims death: 98 Indians die amid day temperature soaring above 50 degrees
Hajj pilgrims death: 98 Indians die amid day temperature soaring above 50 degrees
As many as 98 Indiansdied due to extreme heat during the annual Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj to Mecca, confirmed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday (June 21).
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing said that last year 187 people had died during the annual pilgrimage.
"This year, 1,75000 Indian pilgrims visited Mecca for Haj. The Haj period is from May 9 to July 22. This year, till now, 98 deaths have been reported," he said.
"The deaths have been due to natural causes, chronic illnesses, and old age. Six people died on the day of Arafat and four were accident-related deaths," Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.
#WATCH | Delhi: On the death of Hajj pilgrims from India, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "This year we have 175,000 Indians who have already visited Hajj... So far we have lost 98 of our citizens. These deaths have happened on account of natural illness, natural causes,… pic.twitter.com/bkk1Oy67lG
Toll surpasses 1,000 amid day temperature soaring above 50 degrees
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Missiles seen in sky, explosions heard, buildings damaged: What unfolded in Tel Aviv moments after Iran launched retaliatory airstrikes
)
'ENTER PROTECTED SPACES': Millions of Israelis run for shelter as Iran continues to launch barrage of missiles
)
'He sat in the same...': 27 years ago, a Thai singer survived plane crash. His seat number? 11A
)
Israel-Iran conflict: Israel says Iran ‘crossed red lines by daring to fire missiles at civilians’
)
Considered impenetrable, Israel's Iron Dome breached. Here’s how the air defense system works
)
Israel completes attack on nuclear site in Isfahan, stopped them from producing nuclear weapon - Here's what military official said
)
'Bad unintended infographics': Israel 'apologises' for map showing Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan, and it's not the first time
)
US warns Iran of ‘dire consequences’ if American troops targeted; Tehran confirms casualties | Who said what at UNSC special meeting
)
‘Any country that defends Israel…’: Iran’s stern warning to nations after reports of US helping Tel Aviv intercept missiles
)
Explosions near Khamenei’s residence: Israel strikes Tehran’s 'most guarded' Pasteur neighbourhood - Report
)
Caitlyn Jenner takes shelter in Tel Aviv, drinks wine amid Iran’s strikes on Israel
)
Morning news brief: Israel completes attack on nuclear site in Isfahan, Iran says dialogue with US 'meaningless' and more
)
Biggest show-off buy in IPL? Indian all-rounder won titles with CSK and MI without playing a single game with them
)
'Will bring vile Zionist regime to its knees': In address after attack, Iran's supreme leader Khamenei warns Israel will be 'helpless'
)
Karishma Kapoor's ex-husband Sunjay Kapur's cryptic post resurfaces days before his death: Your time...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Iran's attack on Israel in 5 pictures - How Tehran retaliated with barrage of missiles
)
'Not have happened without US permission': Iran AGAIN accuses America of supporting Israeli attacks, says talks with US 'meaningless'
)
‘All of Israel is under fire’: Iran launches missile barrage after Israeli airstrikes in Tehran
)
Sunjay Kapur death: Can a bee sting lead to a heart attack? Doctors weigh in
)
Israel-Iran war: Two dead in Iranian missile barrage in Israeli city, several wounded as Tehran continues to attack
)
‘Iran has never been weaker’: Netanyahu urges Iranians to rise against 'evil, oppressive regime', warns ‘more strikes on the way’
)
Out of Earth defence: Israel intercepts Iranian ballistic missile in space - What is exoatmospheric interception? WATCH
)
Israel-Iran war to expand in coming days? Tehran WARNS to attack US bases in the region
)
‘Fake, baseless’: Israel denies Iran’s claim of downing two F-35 jets, capturing woman pilot
The death toll during the annual pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia surpassed 1,000 this year amid scorching heat, news agency AFP reported on Thursday (June 20).
Out of the reported deaths, over half of them were unregistered worshippers who perished due to intense heat while performing the annual rituals in the holy city of Mecca.
The new deaths reported on Thursday (June 20) included 58 from Egypt, as per an Arab diplomat who provided a breakdown that showed out of 658 Egyptians who had lost their lives due to extreme temperatures, 630 were unregistered pilgrims.
Every year, almost 1.8 million people from across the world visit Mecca to take part in a mostly outdoor pilgrimage. Hajj is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and Muslims with the means are advised to visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
Saudi Arabian authorities say the temperatures have risen 0.4 degrees each decade in the city, piling more misery on the faithful crowd.
(With inputs from agencies)