More than 550 hajj pilgrims die in Mecca as temperatures exceed 50C

At least 550 pilgrims have died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage, highlighting the grueling nature of the event which once again unfolded under scorching temperatures. The pilgrimage, a significant religious duty for Muslims, saw a particularly high death toll attributed to heat-related illnesses.

Among the deceased, 323 were Egyptians, as reported by two Arab diplomats coordinating their countries' responses. "All of them [the Egyptians] died because of heat," said one diplomat, except for one individual who sustained fatal injuries during a minor crowd crush. These figures were confirmed by the hospital morgue in the Al-Muaisem neighborhood of Mecca, one of the largest in the city.

Why This Matters: In addition, at least 60 Jordanians have died, an increase from the 41 reported earlier by Amman. The cumulative death toll reported by various countries now stands at 577. This alarming number emphasizes the severe conditions faced by the pilgrims.

Earlier on Tuesday, Egypt’s foreign ministry announced collaboration with Saudi authorities to search for missing Egyptians who had participated in the Hajj. While the ministry acknowledged a number of deaths, it did not specify whether Egyptians were among them.

Saudi authorities have treated more than 2,000 pilgrims for heat stress but have not updated the fatality figures since Sunday. The absence of updated data on deaths from the Saudi authorities has led to reliance on reports from various countries.

Last year, at least 240 pilgrims, mostly Indonesians, were reported dead. This year’s higher death toll further highlights the extreme challenges posed by the intense heat during the pilgrimage.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, mandatory for all Muslims who have the means to undertake it at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage involves several days of rigorous rituals, often performed outdoors under harsh conditions, making heat stress a significant risk.

As authorities continue to manage the aftermath, the high death toll serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with the pilgrimage, particularly under extreme weather conditions. Efforts to improve safety and health measures during Hajj remain critical to prevent future tragedies.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 550 pilgrims died during Hajj, mainly from heat-related illnesses.
• 323 Egyptians and 60 Jordanians among the deceased, with more expected.
• Saudi authorities treated over 2,000 pilgrims for heat stress during Hajj.
• Collaboration ongoing between Egypt and Saudi Arabia to find missing pilgrims.
• Hajj rituals performed in intense heat pose severe risks to participants.

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