The extreme heat in the pilgrim city of Mecca is claiming hundreds of lives during the hajj this year. According to recent counts, more than 500 people died during the pilgrimage.
According to two Arab diplomats, 300 Egyptians died during the pilgrimage this year alone. According to an AFP count, the number of deaths rose to a total of more than 570.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jordan confirmed the deaths of 41 Jordanian pilgrims on Tuesday. Tunisia’s state news agency TAP reported that 23 Tunisian pilgrims had been killed, citing a source at the Tunisian consulate in Jeddah.
Pilgrimage in scorching heat
The pilgrimage started on Friday evening in Mecca in scorching heat. According to the Saudi Center for Meteorology, the Grand Mosque recorded 51.8 degrees Celsius on Monday afternoon and similarly high temperatures were recorded at other holy sites in the area.
Authorities called on worshipers to carry umbrellas, avoid going outside during the particularly hot lunchtime and drink plenty of water. The news channel Sky News showed a pilgrim cooling off in a drinks refrigerator.
Millions travel to holy cities
Last year, about two million pilgrims took part in the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, which is one of the five basic duties of Islam. Buses and trains already help bring the many worshipers to the holy sites, but the large crowds and extreme heat still pose challenges for pilgrims and law enforcement. Several major tragedies have also occurred in recent decades, each resulting in hundreds of deaths due to crowding.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
