Authorities have reported that over 1,300 people have perished as a result of the intense heat during the yearly Hajj trip in Saudi Arabia. The Indian government has announced that 98 Indians are among the deceased.
According to news agency AFP, over half of the deceased were unregistered pilgrims who entered the Hajj through unofficial routes, preventing them from using air-conditioned buses and tents, among other cooling amenities.
Around 10 countries have reported 1,081 deaths during the Haj pilgrimage which include 98 Indians
But no Indian reporter who were covering Shamshans will cover this 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/UDoK4ep5P9
— Sheetal Chopra 🇮🇳 (@SheetalPronamo) June 21, 2024
Even while Saudi Arabia has recently stepped up safety precautions for the Hajj, it is still criticized for not doing enough, especially for unregistered pilgrims.
98 Indians have lost their lives while making the journey this year, according to MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal. We have heard that numerous pilgrims who visit Arafat on that day suffered from heat exhaustion as a result of the extreme heat. Foreigners experienced greater suffering. Six people from our country lost their lives on Arafat Day, he said.
Actions and Enhancements
The Saudi authorities have taken several steps over the years to increase security and lower the number of fatalities during the Hajj. Among them are:
Infrastructure improvements: The Jamaraat Bridge’s expansion and refurbishment as well as more rooms and other facilities.
Medical Facilities: Emergency response teams and improved medical services.
Crowd Management: Better scheduling and crowd control techniques to avoid bottlenecks.
Conclusion
The physically taxing nature of the trip and external elements, including intense heat, nonetheless present difficulties despite these efforts. The Indian government has been proactive in offering support and guaranteeing the safety of its pilgrims through a number of steps, like as pre-departure health exams and improved on-the-ground assistance, in collaboration with Saudi authorities.