98 Indians among hundreds dead during Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca: MEA According to reports, more than 900 pilgrims have died this year during Haj that has been marked by heat waves._The Indian Express

 

Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun as they arrive to cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual hajj, in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca. (AP/PTI)

As many as 98 Indians are among hundreds of pilgrims who have died during the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca amid the scorching heat.

Addressing a press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said 175,000 Indian citizens are already on Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, of which 98 have died. He added that the deaths have happened on account of natural causes, chronic illnesses, and also old age.

“Every year a large number of pilgrims from India attend Haj, and some of them unfortunately pass away during the Haj period. This year, 175000 Indian pilgrims visited Makkah for Haj,” Jaiswal said.

“The Haj period is from May 9 to July 22. This year, till now, 98 deaths have been reported. The deaths have been due to natural causes, chronic illnesses, and old age,” he added.

Last year, the number of of Indians who died during Hajj was 187, he said.