At least 1,301 pilgrims have died during the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca this year amid a severe heatwave in Saudi Arabia. Temperatures have been surpassing 51°C (125°F).
Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel reported that unauthorized pilgrims without permits comprised 83 percent of the fatalities. These individuals faced severe heat exposure due to a lack of proper shelter. At least 95 pilgrims are still receiving treatment.
The pilgrimage, which began on June 14, is a compulsory religious duty for Muslims who can physically and financially afford it. The Saudi government issues a limited number of visas annually, but many unauthorized pilgrims travel using tourist visas arranged by unlicensed tour operators. This has led to criticism of the government’s management of the pilgrimage, focusing on a shortage of air-conditioned tents, forcing many to seek refuge in overcrowded mosques.
Egyptian officials reported 660 fatalities, with only 31 having official authorization, resulting in the revocation of licenses for 16 travel agencies. Over 200 Indonesian pilgrims and 98 Indian pilgrims died. Other countries, including Pakistan, Malaysia, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Sudan, and Tunisia, also confirmed fatalities. Jordan has detained travel agents involved in organizing unauthorized pilgrimages, and Tunisia’s President Kais Saied dismissed the minister of religious affairs after 49 Tunisian deaths. The identification of many deceased has been delayed by missing identification documents.
Deaths during Hajj are not uncommon, due to the long journeys and strenuous rituals involved. Past tragedies include a 2015 stampede in Mina that killed over 2,400 pilgrims and a 1990 stampede that killed over 1,426.
