How can we improve safety measures for pilgrims during extreme weather conditions at Hajj?
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. Read more: https://indiaobservers.com/deadly-heat-hea...