Over 1,000 people died during this year’s Hajj due to extreme heat affecting nearly two million pilgrims in Mecca. The severe weather conditions had a significant impact on those participating in the annual Muslim pilgrimage.
Most of the deceased were Egyptians, with 672 reported dead and 25 still missing. Other countries also experienced losses, including 236 Indonesians and 98 Indians. Additionally, deaths were reported from Tunisia, Jordan, Iran, and Senegal, making the total number of deaths at least 1,114.
Extreme Heat at Hajj Causes Over 1,000 Deaths, Mostly Egyptians Among the Victims
In response to the deaths, an Egyptian crisis unit suspended the licenses of 16 tourism companies and referred them to the public prosecutor. These companies are blamed for the deaths, mainly among pilgrims who were not registered under the official system.
The crisis unit also noted that 31 deaths were due to chronic illnesses among officially registered pilgrims. This shows that both the extreme heat and existing health issues contributed to the high number of fatalities during this year’s Hajj.
