Saudi Arabia Hajj deaths: Tragic Losses over 1,300 Pilgrims Die amid Intense Heat

Saudi Arabia Hajj deaths at least 1,301 people During this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, primarily unauthorized pilgrims who traveled long distances in scorching heat. The event took place amidst a severe heat wave, with temperatures sometimes soaring above 50 °C (122 °F).

Unauthorized Pilgrims and Extreme Conditions

More than three-quarters of the deceased were unauthorized pilgrims without official permits, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). These individuals walked in direct sunlight without adequate shelter. The extreme heat particularly affected the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.

Health Minister’s Remarks on Heat Stress Awareness

Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel stated that efforts were made to educate pilgrims about the dangers of heat stress and ways to prevent it. Medical facilities treated nearly half a million pilgrims, including over 140,000 without permits. Many were hospitalized for heat exhaustion.

“May Allah forgive and have mercy on the deceased. Our heartfelt condolences go to their families,” Al-Jalajel expressed.

Criticism of Safety Measures

Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for not doing enough to ensure the safety of unregistered pilgrims, who lack access to amenities like air-conditioned tents and official Hajj transport. Mecca experienced peak temperatures of 51.8 °C, as reported by the National Meteorological Center.

Global Responses to the Tragedy

Countries around the world have been reporting the death tolls of their citizens, but Saudi Arabia only released official numbers on Sunday. According to the AFP news agency, 658 Egyptians died. Indonesia reported over 200 fatalities among its nationals, while India recorded 98 deaths. Other affected countries include Pakistan, Malaysia, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Sudan, and Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region.

The Significance of Hajj

Hajj is an annual pilgrimage that Muslims must undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are financially and physically able. This year, approximately 1.8 million people participated, according to Saudi authorities.

Saudi Arabia Hajj deaths: Unauthorized Pilgrimages

The aftermath of the deaths, especially those of unauthorized pilgrims, has led to increasing scrutiny. On Saturday, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly revoked the licenses of 16 tourism companies and referred their managers to prosecutors for facilitating illegal pilgrimages to Mecca. Similarly, Jordan detained several travel agents on Friday for organizing unofficial pilgrimages, and Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed the minister of religious affairs.

Hajj Permits and Unauthorized Pilgrims

Hajj permits are distributed based on a quota system and allocated to individuals through a lottery. Despite the risks of arrest and deportation, many attempt the pilgrimage without permits due to the high costs involved.

Before the Hajj, Saudi authorities reported removing hundreds of thousands of unauthorized pilgrims from Mecca, highlighting the ongoing challenge of managing the massive influx of pilgrims each year.