At least 550 Pilgrims, mainly Egyptians, die during Hajj amid sweltering heat
- In Reports
- 01:59 PM, Jun 19, 2024
- Myind Staff
At least 550 pilgrims died during the hajj this year, highlighting the challenging conditions of the pilgrimage amid high temperatures.
As per two Arab diplomats coordinating their nations' efforts, at least 323 of the deceased were Egyptians, with the majority passing away due to heat-related illnesses.
According to diplomats, the death toll during this year's hajj has risen to at least 577, with the majority of fatalities attributed to heat-related causes among Egyptian pilgrims. One diplomat specified that all but one of the Egyptian victims succumbed to heat-related illnesses, while one died from injuries sustained in a minor crowd crush.
Additionally, the diplomats noted that the number of Jordanian fatalities increased to 60, contrasting with an earlier official count of 41 reported by Amman on Tuesday.
The total figure of 577 deaths was reported by multiple countries and confirmed by an AFP tally. The diplomats further indicated that the morgue in Al-Muaisem neighbourhood, one of Mecca's largest, recorded a total of 550 deaths.
The hajj, a fundamental obligation for Muslims, forms one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring all adherents with the means to undertake it at least once.
A recent Saudi study, published last month, highlighted that the pilgrimage is increasingly impacted by climate change. The study noted a rise in temperatures of 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.72 degrees Fahrenheit) per decade in the area where rituals are performed.
According to the Saudi national meteorology centre, temperatures soared to 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Monday.
Egypt's foreign ministry stated it was working with Saudi authorities to locate missing Egyptians from the hajj, while acknowledging unspecified deaths among pilgrims. Saudi officials have treated over 2,000 pilgrims for heat stress, with no recent updates on fatalities.
Last year, 240 pilgrims died, mainly Indonesians. In Mina, pilgrims were seen seeking relief from the heat with water and ice cream. Despite precautions like umbrellas and hydration advice, hajj rituals, such as prayers on Mount Arafat, require prolonged outdoor exposure.
During this year's hajj, pilgrims witnessed motionless bodies on roadsides and overwhelmed ambulance services. Saudi authorities reported 1.8 million participants, including 1.6 million from abroad.
Tens of thousands attempt hajj through unofficial channels due to cost, lacking access to Saudi-provided facilities. Egyptian officials noted unregistered pilgrims contributed significantly to the death toll, causing service disruptions in camps.
Pilgrims endured extreme conditions without essentials and shelter, leading to fatalities from heat-related causes. Saudi Arabia cleared unregistered pilgrims before the hajj. Deaths were reported from countries like Indonesia, Iran, and Senegal, mostly due to heat.
Specific numbers of heat-related deaths have not been disclosed by most nations. Saudi Health Minister noted successful health measures during the hajj, including virtual consultations for over 5,800 pilgrims to manage heat-related illnesses promptly.
Image source: Hindustan Times
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