Srinagar: Among the 900 pilgrims who died due to heat stroke in Saudi Arabia during Hajj, 65 were from India, including nine from Kashmir.
At least 900 people from different parts of the world have died during Hajj as temperatures soared to 51.8 degrees Celsius on the Arabian Peninsula, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.
Among the deceased were 600 Egyptians, 35 Tunisians, 41 Jordanians, 11 Iranians, three Senegalese citizens, 144 Indonesians, and 65 Indians.
A senior official associated with the pilgrimage said, “From India, we have confirmed 65 deaths, including nine from Jammu and Kashmir, of which eight were females and one male.”
Pilgrims used umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun, and Saudi authorities advised them to stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours between 11 a.m. (0800 GMT) and 3 p.m.
However, reports suggest that the Hajj organizers and the Saudi government were unresponsive to the dire situation faced by tens of thousands of pilgrims.
Issues with transportation and healthcare exacerbated the crisis, according to accounts from pilgrims.
Videos circulating on social media depict a story of neglect and near failure.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and extended heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased pilgrims, paying tribute to their faith.