In Mecca, a severe heatwave has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Hajj pilgrims, with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.
According to Saudi authorities, more than 550 pilgrims have died due to the extreme conditions, and over 2,000 affected individuals are currently receiving medical treatment.
During this year’s Hajj, Mecca faced unprecedented high temperatures, highlighting the severe challenges of performing the pilgrimage under such extreme weather conditions. Reports from Arab diplomats to AFP indicate that at least 323 of the deceased were Egyptian nationals, primarily suffering from heat-related illnesses.
The death toll figures were corroborated by data from the morgue at the Al Ma’aisim neighbourhood hospital in Mecca. Additionally, at least 60 Jordanian nationals have been reported among the dead, with the numbers potentially exceeding initial official counts.
Local media in Jammu and Kashmir reported that at least five Kashmiri women also perished due to the intense heat during their pilgrimage.
In response to the soaring temperatures, Saudi officials have advised pilgrims to use umbrellas during the hottest parts of the day, stay hydrated, and avoid direct sunlight. Nonetheless, many Hajj rituals, including the critical Day of Arafah, require extended periods outdoors, adding to the health risks.
Approximately 1.8 million pilgrims participated in Hajj this year, with about 1.6 million coming from outside Saudi Arabia. Previous years have also seen significant casualties due to extreme weather, with last year’s Hajj reporting at least 240 deaths, mostly among Indonesian pilgrims, underscoring the ongoing impact of climate change on major religious gatherings.
