Hundreds of people have tragically lost their lives and thousands have been treated for heatstroke during the annual Muslim Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, as temperatures soared to a scorching 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit).
Reports from CNN Indonesia revealed that among the deceased are 165 Indonesians, 41 Jordanians, 35 Tunisians, and 11 Iranians. Additionally, 22 Jordanians are reported missing, and 26 Iranians have been hospitalized due to heat-related illnesses.
The Iranian Red Crescent stated that some of the Iranian pilgrims succumbed to heatstroke, while others had underlying health conditions. With official figures yet to be released by Saudi Arabia and Egypt, there is fear that more deaths may be discovered, particularly among unregistered pilgrims.
The extreme temperatures prompted Saudi authorities to treat over 2,700 individuals for heatstroke, with concerns rising on social media about missing loved ones. This year’s Hajj, which attracts over 1.8 million participants, coincided with the scorching month of June in the Islamic calendar.
In response to the challenging conditions, Saudi officials advised pilgrims against certain rituals during peak temperatures and deployed specialized medical teams to assist pilgrims suffering from heat-related illnesses.
The Hajj pilgrimage holds significant religious and economic importance for Saudi Arabia, with King Salman bin Abdulaziz overseeing efforts to expand infrastructure to accommodate more worshippers. The pilgrimage is also crucial for diversifying the Saudi economy, with projections of generating substantial revenue and creating jobs for Saudi nationals.
As Saudi Arabia aims to attract 30 million pilgrims by 2030, the economic impact of the Hajj pilgrimage remains a key aspect of the country’s long-term development plans. Despite the current challenges, the pilgrimage continues to be a cherished tradition for Muslims worldwide.
