Over 1,300 Pilgrims, Mostly Unregistered, Die in Extreme Heat During Hajj in Saudi Arabia

Jun 23, 2024, 12:25 PM

During this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, more than 1,300 pilgrims died due to extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 51 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit). The Saudi Health Ministry confirmed that 83% of the fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances without adequate shelter. The tragedy has led to significant international concern and actions, including Egypt suspending the licenses of 16 travel companies for facilitating illegal Hajj trips. Among the deceased were 98 Indian pilgrims, over 600 Egyptians, and an Australian. Initially, the death toll was reported as 1,170. The event, one of the most significant in the Muslim calendar, has raised urgent questions about climate resilience and pilgrimage safety. This year, 175,000 Indian pilgrims participated in the Hajj.