This year’s Hajj pilgrimage has been overshadowed by a tragic loss of life, with at least 90 Indian nationals among the deceased, as confirmed by sources. The pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, saw a participation of around 1.8 million Muslims from across the globe, but has been severely affected by an unprecedented heatwave.
A total of 645 pilgrims have been reported dead so far, according to an AFP tally. Most of these deaths are attributed to the extreme heat, with temperatures soaring past 50 degrees Celsius, the highest recorded in recent decades. The Saudi Arabian government has not reported any accidents, with the primary cause of death being related to the scorching temperatures.
An Arab diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, earlier confirmed that 68 Indian nationals had perished, noting that many were elderly pilgrims. “Some are because of natural causes, and we had many old-aged pilgrims. And some are due to the weather conditions, that’s what we assume,” the diplomat stated.
Additionally, several Indian pilgrims are reported missing amid the chaos brought on by the severe weather conditions.
This alarming situation is further underscored by a Saudi study, which indicates that temperatures in the pilgrimage area have been rising by 0.4 degrees Celsius per decade. Last year, over 200 pilgrims died due to heat, and more than 2,000 suffered from heat-related stress as temperatures reached 48 degrees Celsius.
The Hajj pilgrimage, a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able, continues to be a significant event despite the challenges posed by climate change. The rising temperatures and resultant fatalities highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety measures to protect pilgrims in future years.
As the global community mourns the loss of these devoted pilgrims, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the broader impacts of climate change and the specific vulnerabilities faced by participants in large-scale religious gatherings.
