Tragic: 4 Assam pilgrims on Haj to Mecca die due to heat wave

The deceased have been identified as Maulana Saifuddin from Cachar, Saleha Begum from Hailakandi and Zareena Begum from Barpeta.

At least 3 pilgrims from Assam died on Sunday and another pilgrim died on Jun 9 during the Haj Pilgrimage in the Muslim holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia due to the prevailing scorching heat and extreme heatwave conditions.

The three who died on Sunday have been identified as Maulana Saifuddin from Cachar, Saleha Begum from Hailakandi and Zareena Begum from Barpeta.

The pilgrim who died on June 9 has been identified as Jahir Uddin Majumdar.

Speaking to media, Assam Joint State Haj Committee Chairman Nekibur Zaman said, “At least 3800 pilgrims from Assam have been sent to Mecca by us. We were informed that around four individuals had died due to heat wave.”

On Monday, the Jordan foreign ministry informed that 14 Jordanian pilgrims died, and 17 others were missing during the Haj pilgrimage.

In a statement, the Jordanian foreign ministry said it was coordinating with the Saudi authorities on procedures to bury or transport the bodies of those who passed away according to the wishes of their families.

Meanwhile, the temperature has breached 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) mark and is predicted to reach 47 degrees on Monday in the holy town.

The Saudi authorities have set up many climate-controlled areas as part of heat mitigation measures. They also distribute water and offer advice to pilgrims on how to protect themselves from the sun. The Saudi health ministry also issued an advisory, asking pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors during the day’s hottest hours.

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