During Hajj-2024, more than 2000 SOS requests were handled through the Hajj Suvidha App.

During Hajj-2024, more than 2000 SOS requests were handled through the Hajj Suvidha App.

During Hajj-2024, more than 2000 SOS requests were handled through the Hajj Suvidha App.

As many as 208 Indian Hajj pilgrims died during Hajj-2024 in Saudi Arabia and the highest fatality was recorded among pilgrims from Kerala, according to the data presented in the parliament. In response to a question by Mohammad Nadimul Haque MP, Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju said that 208 deaths happened during Hajj-2024, of which 42 pilgrims were from Kerala. Maharashtra recorded the second highest number of deaths (28) followed by Tamilnadu (22).

The Minister said that the causes of seven deaths were directly attributed to heat stroke. "During Hajj 2024, there were seven death cases, the cause of which can be directly attributed to heat stroke. However, in most of the cases, the cause of death is cardio-pulmonary/ respiratory arrest due to the extreme heatwave conditions during Hajj-2024, particularly during the core Hajj period, where pilgrims have to walk in the open sun to complete religious rituals," the Minister said in the reply.

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He said that during Hajj-2024, more than 2000 SOS requests were handled through the Hajj Suvidha App. During the training and orientation of the pilgrims, as well as during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, it was emphasised that pilgrims stay hydrated in view of the harsh climatic conditions of Saudi Arabia, and to this effect, sufficient quantity of ORS was also made available by the Government of India, he said.

When asked about measures on compensation, the Minister said that while there is a provision for insurance of Hajj pilgrims proceeding through the Hajj Committee of India, insurance is paid only for accidental death cases and is not paid in cases which are treated as death due to natural causes, as per the reply.