The death toll from India stands at around 90, several media reports said, citing sources.
New York: Over 1,000 pilgrims have died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage due to extreme heatwave conditions prevailing in Mecca with Saudi Arabia reporting more than 2,700 cases of “heat exhaustion” this week.
As per an AFP report, thousands are also being treated for heatstroke as temperatures mounted to 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) in Mecca. Unregistered pilgrims accounted for more than half of those who died. Around 658 pilgrims from Egypt have died, according to an Arab diplomat. Of them, 630 were unregistered pilgrims.
As per sources, 90 fatalities were from India. Earlier, an Arab diplomat, on condition of anonymity, confirmed that at least 68 Indian nationals died during the Hajj pilgrimage, AFP reported. "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," he said.
Several pilgrims, including Indians, are reported to be missing too, with Facebook and other social media networks flooded with pictures of the missing and requests for information.
Saudi authorities told news agencies that they have treated over 2,000 pilgrims for heat stress, though there has been no information on the death toll. Countries such as Indonesia, Tunisia, Jordan, Iran, and Senegal also reported deaths among pilgrims.
Saudi officials recommended that pilgrims use umbrellas, stay hydrated, and avoid peak sun exposure, though many rituals necessitate prolonged outdoor activities. The Saudi army has deployed more than 1,600 personnel with medical units to tend to heatstroke victims and 30 rapid response teams, CNN reported.
More than 1.8 million people are taking part in this year's Hajj, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, according to the Saudi government. The pilgrimage's rituals often require extended outdoor stays, increasing exposure to intense heat.
