Saudi Arabia announced that 1,301 individuals died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, with the majority of fatalities attributed to heat stress and unauthorized pilgrimages. According to Saudi officials, 83% of the deceased were unauthorized to perform Hajj and endured long walks under direct sunlight without adequate shelter or comfort. The victims included elderly and chronically ill individuals, and all families of the deceased have been identified.
Extreme heat, exacerbated by record temperatures reaching 125 degrees Fahrenheit in Mecca, has been cited as a primary cause of the deaths and injuries reported during the pilgrimage. Official licenses, costing several thousand US dollars each, are required for legal access to Mecca, but unlicensed pilgrims often lack essential amenities such as air-conditioned transport and easy access to water and food supplies.
The Saudi government noted challenges in issuing an official death toll promptly due to the unauthorized nature of many pilgrimages, which complicated the identification process. Despite these difficulties, authorities ensured proper identification, burial procedures, and provision of death certificates for all deceased pilgrims. The incident has highlighted concerns over infrastructure and organization for pilgrims, even those on authorized tours, who endure rigorous outdoor activities amid harsh environmental conditions.
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