At least 1,301 pilgrims die due to ‘heat wave’ during Hajj in Saudi Arabia

At least 1,301 people died during Hajj, according to Saudi Arabia. Most of those who died were unauthorized pilgrims who had walked long distances in the scorching heat. This year’s pilgrimage took place during a ‘heat wave’. During this time, the temperature rose above 50 degrees Celsius. More than 75 percent of those who died did not have official permission to go there. The official Saudi news agency SPA reported that they were walking in direct sunlight.
SPA noted that some of the dead were elderly and chronically ill. Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel said efforts were being made to raise awareness about the dangers of heat and how pilgrims can reduce it.
He said that about 500,000 pilgrims, including more than 140,000 who did not have permits, were treated at the health camp. He said that some pilgrims are still being treated at the hospital.
Saudi Arabia has been criticized for not taking more steps to make the Hajj safer. Especially pilgrims without permits have lost their lives due to not being able to use facilities such as AC-connected tents and Hajj transport.
According to the National Meteorological Center of Saudi Arabia, the temperature in Makkah has reached 51.8 degrees Celsius.
Countries around the world are giving updates on the death toll of their citizens. But Saudi Arabia has not commented publicly on the deaths. Only on Sunday did he provide the official numbers.
AFP quoted an Arab diplomat as saying 658 Egyptians were killed. Indonesia said that more than 200 of its citizens died, while India said that 98 people died. Pakistan, Malaysia, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Sudan and the autonomous region of Iraq, Kurdistan, also confirmed the death.
Hajj is the annual pilgrimage by Muslims to the holy city of Mecca. It is believed that all financially and physically able Muslims should complete this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. This year, about 1.8 million people participated in the Hajj, Saudi Arabia said.