Throughout the yearly hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, an extremely high number of worshippers have tragically lost their lives due to intense heat, as confirmed by diplomatic sources. These indicate that upwards of 550 fatalities have occurred, 323 of whom were Egyptian. Most of the deaths are linked to heat-related sickness.
State-run television in Saudi Arabia reported on Monday that the shade of the Grand Mosque saw temperatures reach a staggering 51.8 degrees Celsius in Mecca. The hajj, a significant religious pilgrimage performed by millions of Muslims following the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad from 14 centuries back, commenced on Friday.
Over three decades, various incidents including stampedes, tent fires, and other accidents led to several hundred deaths during the hajj in Saudi Arabia.
There was a 2024 report from the Journal of Travel and Medicine warning of an upward trend in global temperatures which could surpass measures to control the heat.
From the deceased, there were 144 Indonesian citizens, 35 Tunisians, 41 Jordanians, and 11 Iranians, amongst others. Many more have been admitted to hospitals.
Even before multiple death reports emerged on Monday, a Saudi health official stated to Reuters that there haven’t been any unusually high fatalities among the pilgrims, despite the exceptionally high temperatures. The official also noted that the ministry has treated over 2,700 people for heat-related sickness so far.
“Engaging in hajj is a complicated task, hence you must exert great effort to fulfil the rituals even when faced with high temperature and overcrowding,” one Egyptian pilgrim shared with Reuters on Sunday.
Pilgrims have resorted to using umbrellas for protection against the harsh sun, with Saudi officials cautioning them to stay hydrated and avoid venturing outside during the peak heat hours from 11 am to 3 pm.
Hajj, known to be one of the world’s biggest gatherings, is a religious obligation that every Muslim capable both physically and financially, must undertake at least once in their lives. This year’s event is expected to wrap up on Wednesday.
It is projected that over 1.8 million pilgrims will participate this year, as per data from the Saudi General Authority for Statistics. – Reuters
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