Heatwave During Hajj Pilgrimage in Mecca Claims 577 Lives

The Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, has witnessed a tragic outcome as the death toll due to the extreme heatwave has risen to at least 577 pilgrims. The soaring temperatures, which reached a high of 51.8°C (125.2°F) in the Grand Mosque, have particularly affected Egyptian pilgrims, who account for over 323 of the reported deaths. Jordanians, Tunisians, Iranians, and pilgrims from various other nationalities have also suffered fatalities amidst this unprecedented heatwave.Saudi health authorities have been overwhelmed, with reports of over 2,000 pilgrims requiring medical assistance due to heat stress. The Saudi government has launched search operations for missing pilgrims and has been distributing water and sunshades in an effort to mitigate the impact of the heat. However, the large number of unregistered pilgrims arriving in the region has contributed to the chaos and hindered the effectiveness of aid efforts.Climate change has been cited as a significant factor affecting the pilgrimage, with scientists noting a 0.4°C rise in average temperatures every decade in the region. The heatwave’s severity has prompted warnings that such extreme temperatures may become more common in the future, posing an ‘extreme danger’ to pilgrims.The Saudi government, while providing health measures and treatment, has not yet updated the number of fatalities since Sunday. This year’s Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and attracted over 1.8 million participants, has been significantly affected by the heatwave, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect pilgrims from the escalating risks of climate change.

Key points

• At least 577 pilgrims have died during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca due to extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 51.

8°C.

• The majority of the deaths were among Egyptian pilgrims, with over 323 fatalities reported.
• Climate change is a contributing factor, with average temperatures in the region rising by 0.

4°C every decade.

• Saudi authorities have provided health measures and treatment, but the large number of unregistered pilgrims has created challenges.

Contradictions👾While most sources report over 550 deaths due to the heatwave, the Saudi health ministry has denied heat-related deaths, citing varied health conditions and pre-existing illnesses among the pilgrims.