The annual Muslim Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca has been marked by extreme heat, resulting in dozens of deaths and thousands of cases of heatstroke. With temperatures soaring up to 120°F (49°C), the harsh conditions have taken a significant toll on the pilgrims. At least 577 pilgrims have died, with the majority succumbing to heat-related illnesses.
Among the deceased are 41 Jordanians, 35 Tunisians, 11 Iranians, and at least 323 Egyptians, according to various national authorities. The Iranian Red Crescent reported that some of the Iranians died due to heatstroke, while others had underlying illnesses. Additionally, 26 Iranians were hospitalized, and 22 Jordanians remain missing.
The Saudi government has treated more than 2,700 people for heatstroke and deployed over 1,600 troops with specific medical units for heat-related issues. Despite these efforts, the death toll is expected to rise as more data becomes available from Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
This year's Hajj, which attracted around 1.8 million pilgrims, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The event's timing in June, one of the hottest months, has exacerbated the situation. Saudi authorities have urged pilgrims to carry umbrellas, stay hydrated, and avoid performing certain rituals during peak heat hours.
The pilgrimage is increasingly affected by climate change, with temperatures at ritual sites rising by 0.4 degrees Celsius every decade, according to a Saudi study. This year, the extreme heat has highlighted the urgent need for adaptive measures to protect the health and safety of pilgrims.
Performing the Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring every Muslim who is physically and financially capable to make the journey to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage involves various rituals, including a circular procession around the Kaaba and the symbolic stoning of evil.
- The Saudi military has also deployed 30 rapid response teams and 5,000 health and first aid volunteers to assist pilgrims amid the harsh weather conditions. Despite these measures, hundreds of people have taken to social media to report missing loved ones.
- Air-conditioned facilities are available for registered pilgrims, but tens of thousands of unregistered pilgrims, who attempt to participate without official visas, are denied access to these amenities. This lack of access further exacerbates the risks posed by the extreme heat.
