Saudi Arabia Reports 1,301 Deaths During This Year’s Hajj

The Saudi government released its first official figures, highlighting the extreme conditions faced by participants.

The Saudi health system addressed many instances of heat stress, with some individuals still receiving care.

“Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached 1,301,” the Saudi government stated. An overwhelming 83% of those who died were not authorised to perform Hajj and had walked long distances under direct sunlight without adequate shelter or comfort.

The deceased included several elderly and chronically ill individuals. The identification process for the deceased has now been completed.

Extreme heat played a significant role in the fatalities and injuries reported this year. Mecca, the holy city central to the Hajj pilgrimage, recorded temperatures of 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius) on Monday.

The problems were exacerbated by the number of unauthorised pilgrims, who did not have access to organised tour buses with air conditioning or easy access to water and food supplies.

Hajj Permit System

Saudi Arabia requires each pilgrim to obtain one of the 1.8 million available licenses to legally access Mecca. These licenses can cost several thousand US dollars, leading many pilgrims to attempt to access the site illegally.

The Saudi government suggested that the unauthorised nature of many trips complicated the identification process, contributing to the delay in releasing an official death toll.

Some pilgrims criticised the infrastructure and organisation of this year’s Hajj. Despite being on official tours, many spent the bulk of their day walking outdoors in the intense heat.

Witnesses reported seeing worshippers losing consciousness and bodies covered in white cloth along the roadsides.

Egypt’s Response

Following the Saudi announcement, the Egyptian government vowed to revoke the licenses of 16 Hajj tourism companies involved in organising illegal pilgrimages and refer their managers to the public prosecutor.

Concerns are mounting that hundreds of Egyptians might be among the deceased, with the official toll standing at 31 but reports suggesting the number could be as high as 500 to 600.

A report reviewed by the Egyptian cabinet highlighted the dubious practices of some tourism companies, including issuing incorrect visas and failing to provide proper accommodation, leaving tourists exposed to the extreme heat.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly expressed condolences and committed to supporting the families of the deceased pilgrims.

Pilgrimage Under Extreme Conditions

The timing of the Hajj, determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, fell during scorching temperatures this year. Pilgrims endured temperatures up to 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit). The journey involved a series of rituals in and around Mecca, often requiring many hours of walking in the oppressive heat.

Ahmed, a 44-year-old pilgrim from Indonesia, recounted witnessing many people falling ill and dying from the heat.

“Along the way home, I saw many pilgrims who died. Almost every few hundred meters, there was a body lying and covered with an ihrom [white fabric] cloth,” he said.

He also noted the scarcity of health workers and ambulances along the road.

The exact death toll may still rise, as governments continue to track the status of pilgrims registered under their country’s quota.

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