Rising Death Toll During Hajj 2024
The official death toll from this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca has soared to nearly 500, with the real number potentially being more than double. Reports indicate that up to 600 Egyptian worshipers died en route to Mecca amidst extreme heat. Authorities from various countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Tunisia, Iran, and India, have confirmed numerous deaths among their nationals. The US State Department also reported the deaths of several American citizens, although no specific figures were provided.
Extreme Heat and Safety Measures
The pilgrims faced dangerously high temperatures, reaching up to 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit). The Saudi Health Ministry implemented safety measures, including cooling stations along the route and urging pilgrims to use umbrellas and stay hydrated. Despite these efforts, the extreme heat led to thousands being treated for heatstroke. The Saudi military deployed over 1,600 personnel with specific heat stroke medical units and 30 rapid response teams, alongside 5,000 health and first aid volunteers.
Economic and Religious Significance
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 is a significant source of prestige for Saudi Arabia and an important economic contributor. The Saudi government has invested heavily in expanding Mecca's Grand Mosque to accommodate more worshipers, with a goal to attract 30 million pilgrims by 2030. Despite the economic benefits, the extreme conditions and high death toll raise questions about the adequacy of safety measures for future pilgrimages.
- The Presidency of Egypt has set up a crisis unit headed by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly to provide support to the families of the deceased and coordinate with Saudi Arabian authorities to facilitate the return of the bodies. Egyptian officials are working to gather an accurate count of victims and missing people, highlighting the challenges posed by unregistered pilgrims.
- Tunisia's president, Kais Saied, has dismissed the country's minister of religious affairs following the deaths of Tunisian pilgrims. This move underscores the potential negligence in the care of pilgrims and the need for accountability.
- The Hajj season changes each year according to the Islamic calendar, and this year it fell in June, one of the hottest months in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia's General Statistics Authority reported that more than 1.8 million people participated in this year's Hajj, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
