June 23rd 2024.
Every year, thousands of people from all over the world come together to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. However, this year was met with tragedy as at least 1,301 individuals lost their lives due to extreme weather conditions. The intense 50°C heatwave proved to be unbearable for many, especially for those who were not authorized to take part in the pilgrimage.
Sadly, a large majority of the fatalities were unregistered pilgrims who had walked long distances under the scorching sun with no protection. As temperatures soared to unbearable extremes, scores of people succumbed to the harsh conditions. It was reported that more than three-quarters of those who passed away did not have official permits to take part in the Hajj and were walking without any shelter.
Among the victims were elderly and chronically ill individuals, who were unable to withstand the heat. The Saudi health minister, Fahd Al-Jalajel, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and reminded everyone that the dangers of heat stress were made known to all pilgrims. He also stated that measures were taken to educate and advise pilgrims on how to mitigate the effects of the heat.
According to Al-Jalajel, nearly half a million pilgrims were treated for heat exhaustion, and some are still receiving medical care in hospitals. As confirmed by officials in Cairo, more than half of the fatalities were from Egypt. In response to the tragedy, the Egyptian government revoked the licenses of 16 travel agencies that had assisted unregistered pilgrims in traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Unfortunately, deaths are not uncommon during the Hajj pilgrimage, which has seen more than two million people gather in Saudi Arabia for a five-day spiritual journey. In the past, there have been deadly stampedes and epidemics that have claimed the lives of many pilgrims. However, this year's death toll was significantly higher, indicating exceptional circumstances.
During the Hajj period, the daily high temperatures ranged from 46°C to 49°C in Mecca and the sacred sites surrounding the city, according to the Saudi National Centre for Meteorology. At times, the temperature even reached a staggering 51.8°C in the shade. Despite the extreme weather conditions, Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for not taking more precautions to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
Unregistered pilgrims did not have access to facilities such as air-conditioned tents and official transport, making their journey even more challenging. As we mourn the loss of those who perished during this year's Hajj, we can only hope that measures will be taken to prevent such a tragedy from happening again in the future. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased, and may Allah have mercy on them.
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