Tragic Heatwave Claims Lives During Hajj 2023
At least 577 pilgrims tragically lost their lives during the hajj, the great Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, primarily due to heat-related illnesses. This year's hajj saw temperatures soar to a scorching 51.8 degrees Celsius, exacerbating the already challenging conditions for the 1.8 million faithful who participated, with 1.6 million coming from abroad.
Impact on Different Nationalities
Among the deceased, 323 Egyptians succumbed to heat-related ailments, with one dying from injuries in a crowd dispersal. Additionally, 60 Jordanians were reported dead, surpassing the earlier official count of 41 by Amman. The deaths were recorded from a hospital morgue in the Al Muaisem district of Mecca. Other nationalities affected included pilgrims from Tunisia, Indonesia, Iran, and Senegal.
Saudi Arabia's Response and Health Measures
The Saudi Ministry of Health reported treating 2,764 people for heat stroke at various ritual sites, although they did not provide specific data on the deaths. Despite the tragic losses, the Saudi government declared the operational plan for the hajj a success, emphasizing the absence of epidemic outbreaks or public health threats. Over 390,000 pilgrims received medical care, including 28 open-heart surgeries and 720 cardiac catheterizations. However, the extreme heat and lack of access to air-conditioned facilities for many pilgrims, especially those without official visas, highlighted the severe challenges faced during this year's pilgrimage.
- The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, requires Muslims who can afford it to perform the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. This religious duty is a source of prestige and legitimacy for Saudi Arabia, whose king holds the title of 'Guardian of the two holy mosques' of Mecca and Medina.
- A Saudi study published in May warned that climate change is impacting the pilgrimage, with temperatures at ritual sites rising by 0.4 degrees Celsius every ten years. This year's hajj, with an average cost of $5,000 per person, saw many pilgrims struggling without access to air-conditioned facilities due to a lack of official visas.
- Despite the extreme heat and tragic deaths, the Saudi government highlighted the success of their health measures and operational plans. The Minister of Health, Fahd al Yalayel, noted that more than 5,800 pilgrims received virtual medical services through the Seha Virtual Hospital, ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage during the pilgrimage.
- Saudi Arabia received around 13 million faithful throughout 2023, reflecting the significant influx of pilgrims and the logistical challenges in ensuring their safety and well-being during such a massive religious gathering.
