At least 90 Indian nationals have died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage, which has been marred by an intense heatwave

The total number of people reported dead so far is 645, according to a news agency AFP tally.

The sources said that the majority of deaths were related to heatwaves.

"No accident has been reported," the source said.

Earlier, an Arab diplomat, on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that at least 68 Indian nationals died during the Hajj pilgrimage, AFP reported. "Some are because of natural causes, and we had many old-aged pilgrims. And some are due to the weather conditions, that's what we assume," he said.

Several Indians are reported to be missing too.

Earlier on Tuesday, Arab diplomats confirmed that at least 550 pilgrims had died this year, the majority due to the soaring temperatures in Mecca, AFP reported.

Around 1.8 million people from across the globe attended the pilgrimage this year.

The hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims with means have to fulfil this religious obligation at least once in their lifetime.

This year's pilgrimage witnessed a scorching heatwave with temperatures crossing 50 degrees Celsius, which are the highest in recent decades.

A Saudi study revealed that temperatures in the pilgrimage area have risen by 0.4 degrees Celsius per decade. In 2023, more than 200 pilgrims died during Hajj, and over 2,000 individuals suffered from heat-related stress as temperatures soared to 48 degrees Celsius.

Source: ANI