At least 577 Hajj pilgrims died in Mecca due to extreme heat this year. According to various news sources, 323 of these pilgrims were from Egypt. The heat wave also claimed the lives of 60 Jordanian and 35 Tunisian pilgrims. Additionally, reports show that 144 pilgrims from Indonesia, 11 from Iran, and 3 from Senegal have died because of the scorching temperatures.
This tragic event happened during the annual pilgrimage in Mecca, which is one of the hottest cities in the world. On Monday, temperatures in Mecca soared to a record-breaking 51.8 degrees Celsius (125.2 degrees Fahrenheit). Such extreme heat poses serious health risks, especially to the elderly and those with preexisting conditions.
The pilgrimage, known as the Hajj, is a significant religious journey for Muslims around the globe. Every year, millions of people gather in Mecca to perform the Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. However, this year’s pilgrimage turned deadly for many due to the unbearable heat.
Authorities are urging pilgrims to stay hydrated and seek shade whenever possible. They are also providing medical assistance and cooling stations to help manage the heat.
In light of this tragedy, there are increasing calls for better preparation and safety measures for future pilgrimages to prevent such losses of life.
As the world mourns these deaths, it highlights the importance of climate awareness and the need to address the impact of extreme weather on major events like the Hajj.
