Saudi Arabia announced the death of at least 1,301 pilgrims during this year’s Hajj, with most of the deceased being individuals who did not have official permits, according to a statement made on Monday. The pilgrims reportedly walked long distances in extreme heat conditions.
This year’s pilgrimage occurred during an intense heatwave, with temperatures occasionally soaring above 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit).
The Saudi Press Agency reported that over three-quarters of the deceased did not possess official permits and were exposed to direct sunlight without adequate shelter. Additionally, many of the deceased were elderly or suffered from chronic diseases.
Saudi Health Minister Fahd al-Jalajil stated that authorities had made significant efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of heat exhaustion and how pilgrims could mitigate its effects.
He noted that health facilities had treated nearly half a million pilgrims, including over 140,000 without permits, some of whom remain hospitalized due to heat-related illnesses.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the deceased. May Allah forgive and have mercy on their souls,” said al-Jalajil.
Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for not doing more to make the Hajj safer, especially for unregistered pilgrims who lack access to amenities like air-conditioned tents and official transportation.
Temperatures in Mecca reached a scorching 51.8 degrees Celsius, as reported by Saudi Arabia’s National Meteorological Center.
Countries have begun reporting the number of their nationals who died during the Hajj, but Saudi Arabia did not publicly comment on the deaths or provide an official toll until Sunday.
According to the French News Agency, an Arab diplomat reported that 658 Egyptians died. Indonesia stated that more than 200 of its pilgrims had died, while India reported 98 deaths.
Pakistan, Malaysia, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Sudan, and the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan have also confirmed fatalities.
Saudi authorities reported that about 1.8 million pilgrims participated in this year’s Hajj.
On Saturday, Egyptian authorities revoked the licenses of 16 tour companies and prosecuted their managers for illegally transporting pilgrims to Mecca.
Similarly, on Friday, Jordanian authorities arrested several travel agents who facilitated unofficial pilgrim travel to Mecca, and Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed the country’s Minister of Religious Affairs.
Pilgrim permits are allocated to countries based on a quota system and are distributed to individuals through a lottery due to the high costs associated with the Hajj. Many attempt the pilgrimage without an official permit, risking arrest and deportation if caught.
Ahead of the Hajj season, Saudi authorities reported that they had expelled hundreds of thousands of unauthorized pilgrims from Mecca.
