An estimated 1,301 people have died this year in heatwaves at Saudi Arabia's holy sites during the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, CNN reported Sunday, citing Saudi Arabian officials.
“The health care system has dealt with numerous cases of heatstroke this year, some of whom are still receiving treatment. Sadly, the death toll has reached 1,301,” CNN reported. reportCiting a statement from a Saudi Arabian government official, he said: The pilgrimage, one of Islam's most important rites of passage, is an obligation for every Muslim who is financially and physically able to perform it at least once in their lifetime.
The pilgrimage is an annual five-day journey by Muslims to the holy city of Mecca that can sometimes draw more than two million people. according to To the Associated Press.
While temperatures have been high before, the Holy Land saw a record high temperature on Monday, reaching 125 degrees Fahrenheit, CNN reported. (Related: Report: Two separate tourists missing from popular tourist spot after authorities found bodies days ago)
Saudi Health Minister Fahad bin Abdulrahman Al-Jarajer confirmed that around 83 percent of the deaths were caused by unauthorized pilgrims who walked to the pilgrimage in high temperatures, according to the media. More than 660 of the dead were reportedly Egyptian, although the official number is 31, the media said.
Rescuers carry a man affected by the heat on a stretcher as Muslim pilgrims arrive in Mina to perform the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual as part of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 16, 2024. (FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images)
The Associated Press, citing Al-Jarajel News Agency, reported that 95 pilgrims were being treated in hospital, some of whom were evacuated by air.
Some officials blame the heatwave, as well as a large number of unofficial pilgrims, for the increased death toll, according to CNN. In Saudi Arabia, pilgrims must obtain one of 1.8 million permits to legally enter Mecca, which can cost thousands of dollars, the media outlet reported. Pilgrims without permits reportedly cannot board chartered tourist buses that have air conditioning, food and water.
According to the media, authorities noted that a “lack of personal information”, likely due to the unauthorized nature of the travel, complicated the identification process, thus also affecting the official death toll.
“Although there was initially no personal information or identity documents available, identification has been completed. Proper procedures have been followed for the identification, burial and condolences of the deceased, and a death certificate has been provided,” a Saudi government statement said, according to CNN.
