Heatwave Claims Lives of Hundreds During Hajj Pilgrimage

Soaring temperatures in Saudi Arabia have caused hundreds of deaths among Hajj pilgrims.

The annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, has been tragically marred by a deadly heatwave. With temperatures reaching a scorching 51°C (123.8°F), hundreds of pilgrims have lost their lives, raising concerns about participant safety during the holy event.

Soaring temperatures in Mecca claim hundreds of lives during Hajj pilgrimage. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.

Rising Death Toll and Contributing Factors

Multiple sources report over 550 deaths among pilgrims, with the numbers still climbing. This figure nearly doubles the fatality rate of the 2023 Hajj. Several countries, including Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Senegal, Tunisia, and Iran, have confirmed casualties among their citizens participating in the pilgrimage.

The sheer number of pilgrims, estimated at 1.8 million this year, inherently increases the risk of crowd-related incidents.However, the extreme heat has become a major safety threat, forcing authorities to implement new measures.

Impact of Heat and Response Efforts

The scorching temperatures have driven many pilgrims to perform Hajj rituals during cooler morning and evening hours.Despite these precautions, the Saudi Health Ministry reported over 2,760 cases of heatstroke and heat stress on a single day during the pilgrimage's first stoning ritual.

Experts warn that heat exhaustion and heatstroke will likely become more prevalent under such extreme heat. Symptoms include excessive sweating, dizziness, muscle cramps, and vomiting. Heatstroke, the most severe heat-related illness,occurs when the body loses its ability to cool itself through sweat.

Related: Deadly Heatwave Sweeps Across Southeast Europe

Saudi authorities have deployed security forces, medics, and first responders to assist pilgrims in Mina, a key location during the Hajj. They are focused on providing guidance, treating sunburns, and mitigating heat-related emergencies.

Additional Information:

• The 2024 Hajj pilgrimage has seen a significant rise in heat-related deaths compared to previous years.

• Extreme temperatures in Saudi Arabia are posing a growing safety threat for pilgrims.

• Saudi authorities are implementing measures to protect pilgrims from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.

This tragic event highlights the need for continued efforts to ensure the safety of pilgrims during Hajj, particularly under increasingly extreme weather conditions.

Source: Euronews