In a tragic incident, ten pilgrims from Jammu Kashmir, including six from Srinagar district, have died due to a severe heatwave while performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
The deceased include six pilgrims from Srinagar, two from Kulgam, and one each from Baramulla and Jammu.
From Kulgam, the victims are Maneera Banoo from Hambatanpora Okey and Hafeeza from Kharbrari Yaripora. Bashir Ahmad from Badambagh Sopore is the deceased pilgrim from Baramulla, and Aziza Begum from Gujjar Nagar is the deceased from Jammu.
The pilgrims from Srinagar who lost their lives have been identified as Tahira from Chattabal, Sara Begum from Sanat Nagar, Manzoor Ahmad Rangrez and Rifat from Rawalpora, Mubina Akhter from Nowshera, and Jana Begum from Karewa Damodar.
The intense heatwave has claimed a significant number of lives during this year’s Hajj, with the overall death toll surpassing 1,000, according to an AFP tally released on Thursday. Over half of these deaths were among unregistered worshippers who undertook the pilgrimage in the extreme heat.
Recent reports indicate that 58 Egyptian pilgrims are among the newly deceased, contributing to a total of 658 Egyptian fatalities, of which 630 were unregistered. Overall, about 1,081 deaths have been reported from around 10 different countries during this year’s Hajj, a pilgrimage that is one of the five pillars of Islam and obligatory for all Muslims with the means to complete it at least once in their lifetime.
The situation has drawn significant concern and criticism, with viral videos emerging that show deceased pilgrims lying on the roads. Many pilgrims have complained about poor management, citing issues such as inadequate transportation and lack of drinking water facilities, which have compounded the difficulties faced during the pilgrimage.
As the Hajj continues, authorities are under pressure to address these severe issues and ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims still undertaking the religious journey.