A devastating heatwave has struck Mecca during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, resulting in more than 1000 deaths and thousands of cases of heatstroke among Muslim pilgrims. Temperatures soared to a scorching 52 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) as over 1.8 million people participated in one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
The reports on Thursday highlighted that the 658 Egyptians who died, 630 were unregistered pilgrims. About 10 countries have reported 1,081 deaths during the pilgrimage.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry also reported 22 of its citizens hospitalized and 16 still missing. The Iranian Red Crescent stated that dozens of Iranians have been hospitalized due to heatstroke and other heat-related conditions.
Authorities fear the actual number of casualties may be higher, as Saudi Arabia and Egypt have yet to release official figures. Moreover, the current count only includes registered pilgrims, raising concerns about potential unreported deaths among unregistered participants.
Oven-like Saudi summer
The Saudi government reported that more than 2,700 people have been treated for heatstroke. In response to the extreme conditions, Saudi authorities advised pilgrims to avoid performing the “stoning of the devil” ritual during the hottest hours of the day.
To combat the harsh weather, Hajj officials have urged pilgrims to use umbrellas and stay hydrated. The Saudi army has deployed over 1,600 personnel with specialized medical units for heatstroke treatment, along with 30 rapid response teams and 5,000 health and first aid volunteers.
While deaths during the Hajj are not uncommon, this year’s pilgrimage coincided with one of the hottest months in Saudi Arabia, exacerbating the risks for participants. The extreme weather has cast a shadow over the sacred event, which is not only a religious obligation for Muslims but also a significant source of prestige and revenue for Saudi Arabia.