Extreme Heat Claims Lives During Hajj 2023
Saudi Arabia has announced the tragic death of 1,301 pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage, which took place from June 14 to 19, 2023. The majority of these deaths, 83%, were among pilgrims who did not have official permits. The extreme heat, reaching up to 51.8 degrees Celsius in Mecca, played a significant role in these fatalities. The Saudi Health Minister, Fahd Al-Jalajel, confirmed that many of the deceased had traveled long distances under the scorching sun without adequate shelter or rest.
Health Services and Government Response
Despite the high number of deaths, the Saudi health system provided over 465,000 specialized treatment services, including 141,000 services to unauthorized pilgrims. Al-Jalajel praised the health system's efforts, stating that no epidemics or widespread diseases were recorded during the pilgrimage. The authorities are defending their response, with a senior official noting that the state did not fail but there was an error in risk assessment by the pilgrims.
Future Implications and Climate Change
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, saw participation from 1.8 million pilgrims this year, most from abroad. With climate change, the heat stress on pilgrims is expected to exceed the 'extreme danger threshold' between 2047 and 2052, and again from 2079 to 2086, according to a study published in the Geophysical Research Letters. This year's fatalities highlight the urgent need for better preparation and infrastructure to protect pilgrims from extreme weather conditions.
- The Saudi authorities have been updating the death toll as more information becomes available. Diplomats from various countries have reported casualties, with Egypt alone accounting for 658 deaths, including 630 without official authorization for the pilgrimage.
- The Hajj pilgrimage is a significant religious event that every Muslim who can afford it must perform at least once in their lifetime. The rituals, which include gathering on Mount Arafat and the stoning of the devil in Mina, are physically demanding, especially under extreme weather conditions.
- Last year, over 300 deaths were reported during the Hajj, with many of the deceased being from Indonesia. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to climate change pose a growing risk to pilgrims in the coming years.
