Over 1,300 People Died During Hajj Pilgrimage In 2024: Saudi Arabia

The 2024 Hajj pilgrimage turned tragic as Saudi Arabia reported the deaths of 1,301 pilgrims. The Saudi government attributed the majority of these fatalities to extreme heat and unauthorized trips.

The health system in Saudi Arabia faced numerous cases of heat stress, with some individuals still under care. 

A significant 83% of the deceased were unauthorized pilgrims who had walked long distances under direct sunlight without adequate shelter or comfort. 

Many of these individuals were elderly or chronically ill. 

The Saudi government confirmed that the families of all the deceased had been identified, despite the initial lack of personal information or identification documents.

This year's Hajj saw record-setting temperatures in Mecca, reaching a scorching 125 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The extreme heat was a primary factor behind the hundreds of deaths and injuries. 

The situation was exacerbated by the number of unofficial pilgrimages, which bypassed the organized infrastructure designed to protect pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia issues 1.8 million licenses for pilgrims to legally access Mecca, with each license costing several thousand US dollars. 

Unlicensed pilgrims often travel without the amenities provided by official tour buses, such as air conditioning and easy access to water and food. 

This lack of proper support left many exposed to the harsh conditions.

The Saudi government's delayed official death toll was partly due to the unauthorized nature of many trips, complicating the identification process. 

The authorities ensured that proper processes were followed for identification, burial, and honoring the deceased, with death certificates provided.

Some pilgrims criticized the poor infrastructure and organization of this year's Hajj. 

Even those on official tours spent much of their time walking outdoors in the extreme heat. 

Witnesses reported seeing worshippers losing consciousness and walking past bodies covered in white cloth.

In response to the crisis, the Egyptian government pledged to revoke the licenses of 16 Hajj tourism firms involved in making illegal pilgrimages to Mecca. 

The managers of these firms are being referred to the public prosecutor amid fears that hundreds of Egyptians are among the deceased. 

The report reviewed by the Egyptian cabinet highlighted the dubious practices of some tourism operators, including issuing incorrect visas and forcing pilgrims to enter Mecca through desert paths on foot.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly offered his sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased pilgrims, pledging to provide them with necessary support. 

The timing of the Hajj pilgrimage, based on the Islamic lunar calendar, coincided with extreme temperatures in Saudi Arabia, reaching up to 49 degrees Celsius.

Pilgrims undertake various rituals in and around Mecca during Hajj, often involving many hours of walking in the scorching heat. 

The total number of deaths in this year's Hajj could still rise as governments continue to identify pilgrims who have registered and visited Mecca as part of their nation’s quota. 

The tragic loss of life during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage highlights the urgent need for better infrastructure, organization, and enforcement of regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims. 

As the global Muslim community mourns these deaths, it is crucial for authorities to address the underlying issues and prevent such tragedies in the future.