Hajj Pilgrimage 2024: Hajj Pilgrims Speak To NDTV About Saudi Arabia's Deadly Heatwave

The first batch of 378 pilgrims, who arrived at Delhi Airport on Saturday evening, recounted their harrowing tale of narrowly escaping the scorching temperatures. Speaking to NDTV, the pilgrims expressed gratitude and happiness upon returning home despite facing extreme heat during their Hajj journey.

This year's Hajj pilgrimage, a cornerstone of Islam, has been overshadowed by tragic incidents exacerbated by climate change and intense heatwaves. According to an AFP report, the death toll has exceeded 1,000, with more than half of these fatalities involving unregistered worshippers who endured extreme temperatures exceeding 51 degree Celsius in Saudi Arabia.