Hajj deaths have reached a tragic total of 577 in Makkah due to extreme heat, AFP reported. The hospital morgue in Makkah’s Al Muaisem neighborhood recorded at least 550 deaths from the intense temperatures during the Hajj pilgrimage.
However, reports from multiple countries increased the tally to 577, according to AFP. Two Arab diplomats revealed that 323 Egyptians were among the deceased. Most of them succumbed to heat-related illnesses. “All of them (the Egyptians) died because of heat,” said one diplomat, except for one who was fatally injured during a minor crowd crush.
Additionally, 60 Jordanians died, adding to the earlier official tally of 41 reported by Amman. These Hajj deaths highlight the growing impact of climate change on the pilgrimage. A Saudi study published last month indicated that temperatures in the area rise by 0.4°C each decade.
On Monday, temperatures reached 51.8°C at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, according to the Saudi national meteorology center. Last year, various countries reported 240 deaths among pilgrims, most of whom were Indonesians.
Pilgrims in Mina, near Makkah, tried to cool off by pouring bottles of water over their heads. Volunteers distributed cold drinks and quickly melting chocolate ice cream to help them. Saudi officials had advised using umbrellas, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding the sun during the hottest hours.
Some pilgrims saw motionless bodies on the roadside and observed overwhelmed ambulance services. Around 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the Hajj this year, with 1.6 million coming from abroad, according to Saudi authorities.
Hajj deaths like this illustrate the harsh realities of climate change, and the impact is becoming more evident each year. The Hajj pilgrimage must adapt to these changes to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
