Srinagar, June 18 – As the Hajj 2024 journey nears its completion, tragedy has struck the Kashmiri pilgrim community, with five female pilgrims succumbing to heat stroke in Arafat, an official has informed.
According to a senior Hajj officer from Jammu and Kashmir, the extreme heat being experienced during the Hajj rituals is taking a heavy toll on the health of many pilgrims.
The temperatures in Saudi Arabia have soared up to 48 degrees Celsius, and unfortunately, this has resulted in the death of five female Hajj pilgrims from Kashmir – four from Srinagar and one from Kulgam district.
“The issuance of the death certificates is still pending,” the official stated, adding that the deceased pilgrims were accompanied by their relatives and that they will be laid to rest in Mecca.
Despite the scorching weather, the official said that the Hajj pilgrims have remained steadfast in fulfilling their religious obligations. “The temperatures have been rising, and sadly, five female Hajj pilgrims from Kashmir have passed away due to heat stroke in Arafat,” he lamented.
This year, more than 7,000 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir performed the Hajj in Mecca and Medina, with around 6,800 departing from Srinagar Airport and over 500 traveling from other airports.
The tragic loss of these Kashmiri pilgrims due to the extreme heat conditions in Arafat has left the community in mourning. The authorities are working to provide necessary assistance and ensure the safe return of the remaining pilgrims amidst the challenging circumstances.
