Over 1.83 million Muslims participated in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, with temperatures soaring to 51 degrees Celsius, leading to at least 550 reported deaths. The Saudi government has not yet provided an official death toll or causes, while concerns rise over heat-related health issues among pilgrims.
Hundreds of Hajj pilgrims have died as temperatures soared to 51 degrees Celsius during this year’s pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, which saw over 1.83 million Muslims participating. The Saudi government has not yet commented on the specific death toll or causes. However, a list circulating online suggests at least 550 fatalities, and some estimates reach up to 600. Among the deceased, at least 323 were Egyptians, many due to heat-related illnesses.
The Emergency Complex in Al-Muaisem neighborhood of Mecca has been inundated with crowds seeking information about missing relatives. Temperatures at the Grand Mosque in Mecca peaked at 51.8 degrees Celsius, contributing to heat-related health issues among pilgrims. The symbolic stoning of the devil saw some fainting due to heat.
The incident recalls past challenges of managing large crowds during Hajj, including a deadly stampede in 2015. Saudi Arabia has invested billions in crowd control and safety measures, but extreme temperatures pose a growing risk for the pilgrimage in the future.
