Millions of pilgrims from across the globe, gathered in Mecca and Medina for the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, currently face the scorching heat in the Middle East country.

The situation turned dire right after reports of the death of around 550 pilgrims emerged from the holy city due to the intense heat.

Among the total deaths, the most, 323 pilgrims, were from Egypt. At least 41 Jordanians have also died due to heatstroke, Jordan officials said on June 18.

However, according to the latest figures, the total death toll reported by various countries has now exceeded 577, while diplomats say that a total of 550 bodies were found in one of the largest morgues in Mecca.

Blistering heat during Hajj pilgrim

On June 17, Saudi authorities issued warnings to pilgrims to avoid the sun and urged them to postpone the rituals till after 4 pm (local time).

Islam’s holiest city recorded 51.8° C on June 17, while other nearby holy sites recorded 48° C maximum temperature.

Some 1.8 m pilgrims took part in this year’s Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam, which began in Mecca on June 14 evening amid the blistering heat.

Indians at Hajj pilgrimage

The Indian Haj Mission said on June 18 that it has provided necessary assistance to more than 100 pilgrims by reuniting them with their families during this year’s pilgrimage.

On June 17, Consul General of India in Jeddah Shahid Alam visited various camps of the Indian Haj pilgrims in the Tent City of Mina.

“During the visit, he interacted with the Indian Haj pilgrims to take their feedback on the services provided to them in Mina and also to take stock of their overall well-being,” said the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office.

The mission mentioned that 24-hour support, including medical care through dispensaries, ambulances, healthcare on the go with doctors/paramedics providing requisite services on foot as per requirement, support for guiding pilgrims, tracing lost pilgrims, care for those with mobility issues, has been made available to the Indian pilgrims.

Last weekend, over 1,75,000 pilgrims from India converged on sacred Mount Arafat outside Mecca in Saudi Arabia to offer their prayers during the Hajj pilgrimage.

India received a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for Haj 2024 with 1,40,020 seats being reserved for pilgrims to proceed through the Haj Committee of India and 35,005 pilgrims permitted to proceed through Haj group operators.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)