This year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, has been marked by unprecedented tragedy. Hundreds of people have died and thousands more have been treated for heatstroke as temperatures soared to a staggering 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit). The heat has turned this religious journey, one of the most significant in Islam, into a scene of sorrow and loss.
Among the deceased, 165 Indonesians have been reported dead, according to CNN Indonesia, citing the country’s Consulate General’s Hajj Management Office in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, 41 Jordanians, 35 Tunisians, and 11 Iranians are among the casualties. The Iranian Red Crescent noted that some of these deaths were due to heatstroke, while others had preexisting conditions that contributed to their demise.
The situation remains dire with 22 Jordanians reported missing and 26 Iranians hospitalized. The fear and uncertainty grow as Saudi Arabia and Egypt have yet to release their official figures. These numbers only account for registered pilgrims, raising concerns about unregistered pilgrims who might have faced similar fates.
This year, more than 1.8 million people are participating in the Hajj, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. While fatalities are not uncommon during the pilgrimage—over 200 deaths were reported last year—the extreme temperatures this year have exacerbated the risks.
The Saudi government has been actively treating heatstroke cases, with over 2,700 people receiving medical attention. Officials have advised pilgrims to avoid performing the “stoning of the devil” ritual during peak heat hours and have urged them to carry umbrellas and stay hydrated. The Saudi army has deployed 1,600 personnel equipped with medical units to handle heat-related emergencies, supported by 30 rapid response teams and 5,000 health and first aid volunteers.
In Mecca, scenes of anguish unfolded as hundreds lined up at the Emergency Complex in Al-Muaisem, desperate for news about missing loved ones. Reports and lists circulating online suggest the death toll could be as high as 550, with some sources estimating at least 600 bodies at the facility. Security at the complex is tight, with officials reading out the names and nationalities of the deceased, allowing relatives to identify their kin.
The Hajj has historically seen tragedies due to overcrowding and other incidents, but this year’s heatwave highlights a growing concern: climate change. A study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology warns that future Hajj pilgrimages could face similarly extreme temperatures, making safety measures even more crucial.
As the faithful continue their pilgrimage under grueling conditions, the tragic events of this year’s Hajj has emphacizes the need for enhanced safety protocols and the impact of climate change on religious practices. The loss of life is a somber reminder of the challenges faced by millions who journey to fulfill their religious duties amidst increasingly harsh environmental conditions. VOTP NEWS
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