During this year’s haj pilgrimage, at least 550 pilgrims lost their lives, primarily due to heat-related illnesses, according to diplomats. Among them, 323 were Egyptians, with temperatures soaring to 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) in Mecca. The scorching conditions exacerbated by climate change have made the pilgrimage increasingly challenging. Despite efforts by Saudi officials to mitigate heat stress, including providing aid and advice, fatalities persisted. The haj, a mandatory Islamic duty, drew 1.8 million pilgrims this year, with concerns raised about unregistered pilgrims facing greater risks due to lack of access to official facilities.
Heat Wave Claims Hundreds of Lives During Haj Pilgrimage
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