21-6-2024 (MECCA) A blistering heatwave has cast a tragic shadow over the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, resulting in more than 1,000 deaths and thousands of cases of heatstroke among Muslim pilgrims. Temperatures soared to a scorching 52 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) as over 1.8 million people gathered for one of the world’s largest religious events.
According to reports on Thursday, the devastating toll includes 658 Egyptian pilgrims, with 630 of them being unregistered participants. In total, about 10 countries have reported 1,081 deaths during the pilgrimage, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry has also reported 22 of its citizens hospitalized and 16 still missing, while the Iranian Red Crescent stated that dozens of Iranians have been admitted for treatment due to heatstroke and other heat-related conditions.
Authorities fear that the actual number of casualties may be even higher, as Saudi Arabia and Egypt have yet to release official figures. Moreover, the current count only includes registered pilgrims, raising concerns about potential unreported deaths among unregistered participants.
Oven-like Saudi Summer
The Saudi government has acknowledged that more than 2,700 people have been treated for heatstroke during the pilgrimage. In response to the extreme conditions, Saudi authorities have advised pilgrims to avoid performing the “stoning of the devil” ritual during the hottest hours of the day.
To combat the harsh weather, Hajj officials have urged pilgrims to use umbrellas and stay hydrated. The Saudi army has deployed over 1,600 personnel with specialized medical units for heatstroke treatment, along with 30 rapid response teams and 5,000 health and first aid volunteers.
While deaths during the Hajj are not uncommon, this year’s pilgrimage coincided with one of the hottest months in Saudi Arabia, exacerbating the risks for participants. The extreme weather has cast a pall over the sacred event, which is not only a religious obligation for Muslims but also a significant source of prestige and revenue for Saudi Arabia.
