Seven Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims died from heatstroke on Thursday alone

A total of 59 Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims died so far in Saudi Arabia this year due to extreme heat.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, there were 12 girls and 47 males among the deceased. Seven Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims died from heatstroke on Thursday alone. Most of the hajj pilgrims died in Makkah.

Till June 29, Saudi medical teams handled over 6,500 cases of heat and sunstrokes among Muslim pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage that coincides with searing temperatures, reports Gulf News reported. 

A total of 172 healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia's holy sites were put in place to serve pilgrims this year. The ministry said that 32 hospitals supported by 140 health centres were allocated to provide services for pilgrims.

The kingdom's ministry said it continues for the second year in a row to offer the virtual hospital service after its success in last year's Hajj season.

Around 1.8 million Muslims are performing Hajj this year after Saudi Arabia lifted pandemic-related restrictions, according to official figures.