The haj pilgrimage, one of the most significant religious events for Muslims, has ended in tragedy this year. Dozens of devotees have lost their lives due to extreme temperatures at the holy sites in Mecca.
Impact of Extreme Heat
Hundreds of people died during this year’s haj in Saudi Arabia, facing highly high temperatures at the holy sites of Islam. Saudi authorities confirmed the deaths on Wednesday, while the families of the deceased pilgrims desperately sought information about their loved ones.
Lack of Official Information
Despite the severity of the situation, Saudi Arabia has not provided an official death toll or commented on the causes of the deaths. The lack of information has led to hundreds of people forming long lines outside the Emergency Complex in the Al-Muaisem neighborhood in Mecca, waiting for news about their missing relatives.
Details of the Deaths During Haj
A list circulating online suggests that at least 550 people died during the five-day pilgrimage. A doctor who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity confirmed that the names on the list seemed genuine. This doctor and another anonymous official estimated that there were at least 600 bodies at the facilities.
A Recurrent Problem
Deaths during haj are not uncommon. This event has attracted over 2 million people and has seen stampedes and epidemics. According to an article in the Journal of Infection and Public Health, the pilgrimage attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from low-income nations, many of whom receive little or no medical care before haj. Infectious diseases can quickly spread among the gathered people, many of whom are elderly with pre-existing conditions.
Testimonies from Other Countries
Several countries, including Jordan and Tunisia, have confirmed that some of their pilgrims died due to the heat. Temperatures reached 47°C in Mecca and its surroundings on Tuesday, according to the Saudi National Center for Meteorology. Pilgrims witnessed several people fainting while performing the rituals of haj.
Measures and Responses
Temperatures in the Grand Mosque of Mecca reached 51.8°C on Monday, although most pilgrims had moved to Mina by then. The situation has led to an urgent call for better conditions and medical care during the haj, especially in extreme temperatures.
Final Reflections
This year’s tragedy in Mecca highlights the need for better preparation and response for the millions of faithful who perform haj. Adequate medical care and preventive measures are essential to avoid future loss of life during this important religious event.
