In a tragic turn of events during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, over 1,300 people lost their lives due to extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites. Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel revealed that 83% of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who braved soaring temperatures to perform the Hajj rituals in and around Mecca. The identification process was delayed as many of the deceased pilgrims lacked identification documents, complicating the process.
Egypt took action by revoking the licenses of 16 travel agencies that helped unauthorized pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia, punishing those who facilitated illegal travel. Despite Saudi authorities cracking down on unauthorized pilgrims, many, predominantly from Egypt, managed to reach the holy sites, some even traveling on foot. The lack of accommodation for unauthorized pilgrims left them exposed to the scorching heat.
The fatalities included pilgrims from various countries, with 98 Indian pilgrims among the deceased. The extreme conditions led to pilgrims fainting, vomiting, and collapsing from the soaring heat. While historically, deaths during the Hajj are not uncommon, this year’s unusually high death toll raises concerns about exceptional circumstances surrounding the pilgrimage.
With daily temperatures reaching extreme levels during the Hajj period, the safety of pilgrims, especially those not officially authorized, was severely compromised. Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance crowd control and safety measures for the annual pilgrimage face challenges due to the sheer number of participants, highlighting the need for improved safety protocols.
The impact of climate change further exacerbates the risks associated with the Hajj. Experts warn of escalating temperatures that could pose a significant danger to pilgrims in the coming years. Despite ongoing advancements in healthcare management and safety measures, the tragic events during the Hajj-2024 underscore the importance of prioritizing pilgrim safety and well-being.
