Saudi Arabia has confirmed the deaths of 1,301 pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. The majority of these deaths occurred among unauthorized pilgrims who faced extreme heat without adequate shelter.
Health Minister Fahad Al Jalajel stated that 83% of the deceased did not have official permits. This lack of permits forced many to walk long distances in the scorching sun. Currently, 95 unauthorized pilgrims are receiving treatment in hospitals.
Heat-related illnesses primarily caused these deaths. The extreme conditions affected pilgrims from over 10 different countries, with Egyptians suffering the most, accounting for 658 fatalities. During the Hajj, temperatures in Makkah reached up to 51.8°C (125°F), significantly increasing the risks for the pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia Call for Compliance and Future Measures
The Saudi Arabia government defended its handling of the situation, emphasizing that many pilgrims underestimated the severe risks posed by the intense heat and strenuous conditions. Despite the government’s efforts to manage the pilgrimage and provide support, the lack of proper permits among many pilgrims led to inadequate access to shelter and medical care.
Saudi officials stressed the importance of following regulations and obtaining the necessary permits to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants in future pilgrimages. They reiterated their commitment to improving conditions and resources to better handle the large influx of pilgrims and the challenges associated with extreme weather conditions.
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In light of this tragedy, the Saudi government is urging all future pilgrims to comply with the regulations and obtain the required permits. This compliance will help ensure they have access to adequate shelter, medical care, and overall safer conditions during their pilgrimage. The government is also looking at ways to enhance their support systems and infrastructure to better manage such large gatherings under extreme weather conditions. This incident underscores the critical need for better preparation and adherence to guidelines to safeguard pilgrims’ lives during the Hajj.