Annual Haj Pilgrimage Claims 98 Indian Lives in Mecca

Ninety-eight Indians died during the annual Haj pilgrimage to Mecca due to natural causes, chronic illnesses, and old age, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Last year, 187 Indian pilgrims died. Over 1,75,000 Indian pilgrims visited Islam's holiest city this year. Heat waves contributed to some deaths.

Ninety-eight Indian pilgrims have died during the annual Haj pilgrimage to Mecca, primarily due to natural causes, chronic illnesses, and old age, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that the total number of deaths of Indians during last year's Haj period was 187, while this year over 1,75,000 Indian pilgrims travelled to Islam's holiest city for the pilgrimage.

The Haj period, from May 9 to July 22, saw 98 deaths reported so far, including six on the day of Arafat and four from accidents. This year's pilgrimage has also been marked by extreme heat, with temperatures soaring over 50 degrees Celsius, contributing to some of the deaths.