The death toll of pilgrims who performed Hajj in extreme heat has now surpassed 1,300, according to reports from the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Many of the deceased did not possess official permits to perform Hajj. This tragic development underscores the severe conditions faced by pilgrims during this year’s pilgrimage.
The SPA revealed that “Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached 1,301, with 83% being unauthorized to perform Hajj and having walked long distances under direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort.” This statement highlights the dire circumstances in which many pilgrims found themselves, particularly those who undertook the pilgrimage without official permission and thus likely without proper planning or support.
While some governments are still updating their total counts, reports indicate that the deceased pilgrims hailed from over ten countries, ranging from the United States to Indonesia. This international scope of the tragedy underscores the global nature of the Hajj pilgrimage and the widespread impact of this year’s extreme conditions.
Last week, Arab diplomats disclosed that Egyptians accounted for 658 of the deaths, with 630 of these individuals being unregistered pilgrims. The extreme heat, which saw temperatures in Makkah rise as high as 51.8°C according to Saudi Arabia’s national meteorological center, was cited as the primary cause of death in most cases. The harsh conditions made the pilgrimage particularly perilous for those who were not officially registered and, therefore, not part of the organized groups that might have had better access to resources and support.
Riyadh had not publicly commented on the deaths or provided its own toll until Sunday. However, on Friday, a senior Saudi official provided a partial toll, reporting 577 deaths for the two busiest days of Hajj: June 15, when pilgrims gathered for hours of prayers in the blazing sun on Mount Arafat, and June 16, when they participated in the stoning of the devil ritual in Mina. These figures, while staggering, only account for a portion of the overall fatalities and highlight the critical days when the heat and the physical demands of the pilgrimage were at their peak.
The official defended Riyadh’s response, stating, “The state did not fail, but there was a misjudgment on the part of people who did not appreciate the risks.” This comment suggests that the Saudi authorities believe the responsibility for the high death toll lies partly with the pilgrims who did not register officially and were perhaps unprepared for the arduous conditions.
In a statement on Sunday, Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al Jalajel described the management of this year’s Hajj as “successful,” according to SPA. He emphasized that the health system provided extensive services, saying, “The health system provided more than 465,000 specialized treatment services, including 141,000 services to those who didn’t obtain official authorization to perform Hajj.” This statement, which summarized an interview Al Jalajel gave to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ekhbariya channel, underscores the extensive efforts made by the Saudi health system to manage the health and safety of pilgrims, both authorized and unauthorized.
Saudi officials have reported that 1.8 million pilgrims participated in this year’s Hajj, a number similar to last year, with 1.6 million coming from abroad. This large influx of international pilgrims highlights the logistical challenges and the high stakes of managing such a massive event, especially under extreme weather conditions.
The tragic deaths of so many pilgrims serve as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with the Hajj, particularly in years marked by extreme heat. As Saudi authorities continue to manage the aftermath and plan for future pilgrimages, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants—regardless of their registration status—will be crucial. Enhanced measures to provide shelter, hydration, and medical support, especially for those who might undertake the pilgrimage unofficially, could help mitigate such tragedies in the future.
