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Hajj Death Toll Exceeds 1,300 Amid Extreme Heat

Saudi Arabia reports over 1,300 Hajj deaths, with unauthorized pilgrims severely affected by extreme heat. The fatalities highlight the risks faced by unregistered participants amid Makkah’s harsh weather conditions.

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Aqsa Younas Rana
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Hajj

Saudi Arabia reports over 1,300 Hajj deaths, with unauthorized pilgrims severely affected by extreme heat.

The death toll for Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia has surpassed 1,300, with a significant number of these fatalities being unauthorized participants, according to Saudi authorities. The extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 51.8°C in Makkah, has been cited as the primary cause of death.

"Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached 1,301, with 83% being unauthorized to perform Hajj and having walked long distances under direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort," stated an official. These unauthorized pilgrims, lacking official permits, undertook the pilgrimage without sufficient preparation or protection from the harsh conditions.

Why This Matters: The deceased pilgrims hailed from over ten countries, including the United States and Indonesia, with some governments still updating their casualty figures. Arab diplomats reported last week that Egyptians accounted for 658 deaths, of which 630 were unauthorized pilgrims. This high number highlights the severe impact of the heat on those who were not properly registered and prepared for the pilgrimage.

Despite the rising death toll, Riyadh had not publicly commented on the situation or provided an official count until Sunday. On Friday, a senior Saudi official disclosed a partial toll of 577 deaths during the two busiest days of Hajj: June 15, when pilgrims spent hours praying under the blazing sun on Mount Arafat, and June 16, during the stoning of the devil ritual in Mina.

In defense of the handling of this year’s Hajj, the official noted, "The state did not fail, but there was a misjudgment on the part of people who did not appreciate the risks." Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al Jalajel described the management of the Hajj as "successful," emphasizing that the health system provided over 465,000 specialized treatment services, including 141,000 to unauthorized pilgrims.

This year, 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the Hajj, with 1.6 million coming from abroad, a number similar to last year. The Saudi government’s efforts to manage the pilgrimage included extensive health services and infrastructure to cope with the large influx of pilgrims and the extreme weather conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 1,300 Hajj pilgrims died, 83% were unauthorized participants.
  • Unauthorized pilgrims lacked permits, walked long distances without shelter.
  • Extreme heat in Makkah, reaching 51.8°C, caused most fatalities.
  • Egyptians accounted for 658 deaths, mostly unauthorized pilgrims.
  • Saudi health system provided 465,000 treatments, 141,000 to unauthorized pilgrims.

 

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