A scorching heat wave has turned this year’s Hajj pilgrimage into a tragedy, with over 550 pilgrims dying from extreme temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.Egypt has suffered the most significant losses, with at least 320 pilgrims succumbing to heatstroke and related illnesses.
Diplomatic sources from Jordan report at least 60 fatalities among their citizens, with the number expected to rise. Many of the Hajj rituals, including the prayers on Mount Arafat, involve being outdoors for hours in the daytime.
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, requires able-bodied Muslims to visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage often occurs during the scorching summer months, making heatstroke a constant threat. While preventative measures are typically in place, this year’s extreme temperatures appear to have overwhelmed those efforts.
By Vinod Kumar (Dubai)