WANDERING TRAVELLER

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 organize...

This year's annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has been marked by a tragic loss of life, with over 1,000 individuals succumbing to the sweltering heat.  Reports indicate that the lethal temperatures, reaching as high as 125 degrees Fahrenheit, claimed the lives of approximately 1,081 worshipers from 10 different countries, according to a tally published by Agence France-Presse. The Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, requires all Muslims to undertake a pilgrimage to the Kaaba at least once in their lifetime.  The Kaaba, located within the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca, is the most sacred site in the Islamic faith.  The pilgrimage involves a series of rituals performed over several days and is a profound spiritual journey for millions of Muslims worldwide. However, this year's pilgrimage was particularly challenging due to the extreme heatwave that gripped the region.  The high temperatures were further compounded by the presence of tens of thousands ...