Background on Hajj
Over 1.8 million people participated this year, making it one of the world’s largest gatherings. Deaths are not uncommon during Hajj, but this year’s high temperatures exacerbated the situation. We will update you about the Hajj 2024 deaths.
Importance of Hajj
Hajj is mandatory for able-bodied Muslims and a core tenet of Islam. It involves various rituals symbolizing unity and faith.
Economic Importance for Saudi Arabia
Hajj is a source of prestige for the Saudi king and a significant revenue generator. Umrah also serves the purpose. The Saudi government aims to increase pilgrimage numbers significantly in the coming years.
Hajj 2024: Deaths
Due to the intense heat, a significant number of people died during this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Confirmed Number of Deaths
Around 1000 pilgrims have been confirmed dead, and there is a high chance that the number could be around 1000. Reports coming from Egypt suggest that as many as 600 Egyptian worshippers have died during the Hajj.
Deaths by Country
The breakdown of confirmed deaths reported by various countries
- Indonesia: 165
- Jordan: 75 (with an additional 27 hospitalized and 14 missing)
- Malaysia: 14
- Pakistan: 35
- Tunisia: 49
- Iran: 11
- India: 98
Multiple U.S. citizen deaths were confirmed, but the exact number is still unknown as it has not been confirmed by the authorities.
U.S. Response
The U.S. State Department has expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones. They have confirmed their readiness to help U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia.
Hajj Deaths Rise Amid Concerns and Uncounted Victims
Heatstroke Takes a Toll
Dozens of Iranian pilgrims were hospitalized due to heatstroke, adding to the growing number of casualties.
Unregistered Pilgrims at Risk
Saudi Arabia and Egypt haven’t released official figures, raising concerns about many unregistered pilgrims going uncounted. Governments can only track registered pilgrims who travel through their quota system.
Egyptian Support
To assist the families and repatriate the bodies of its deceased citizens, Egypt has formed a crisis unit under the direction of the prime minister. The official Egyptian death toll stands at 28, but reports suggest a much higher number (500–600) perished.
Heat Takes a Heavy Toll
Thousands of pilgrims received treatment for heatstroke due to scorching temperatures reaching 49°C (120°F). Despite safety measures like cooling stations, the high temperatures caused a tragic outcome.
Questions Remain
The event raises questions about ensuring pilgrim safety, especially for unregistered worshippers. Unregistered pilgrims lack access to official facilities and face greater risks. Hence, it is always recommended to perform Hajj by following the proper SOP.
Investigations
Various Reasons for Deaths
Jordanian pilgrims mostly died of heatstroke, with 68 being buried in Mecca at their families’ request.
- Malaysian deaths were attributed to heart disease, pneumonia, and blood infections, according to their Religious Affairs Minister.
- India reported 98 deaths due to natural causes, chronic illnesses, old age, heatstroke, and accidents.
Tunisia Seeks Answers
The president of Tunisia dismissed the minister of religious affairs after he admitted to possibly failing to provide proper care for pilgrims.
Heat Takes a Toll
Over 2,700 pilgrims were treated for heatstroke, according to Saudi authorities. Social media reflects growing concern as hundreds of people look for missing loved ones.
Hajj: A Demanding Religious Ritual
- Over 1.8 million people participated this year, making it one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
- This year’s Hajj coincided with exceptionally high temperatures, unlike past years.
- Saudi authorities implemented measures like advising pilgrims to avoid rituals during peak heat hours and deploying medical teams.
Witness Accounts Describe Challenges During Hajj
Heat Overwhelms Medical Resources
Two pilgrims returning from Hajj report a lack of medics and basic facilities to handle the scorching temperatures. Witness reports suggest pilgrims losing consciousness and even seeing bodies during the pilgrimage.
Witness Testimony
A British pilgrim (Zirrar Ali) describes insufficient water, shade, and medical support. He witnessed frequent fainting and felt authorities were unprepared. An Indonesian pilgrim (Ahmad) confirms seeing illness and heat-related deaths.
Focus on Safety
Ali expresses difficulty concentrating on the religious aspects due to the suffering of the pilgrims.
Witness Accounts Detail Hardships During Hajj
An Indonesian pilgrim (Ahmad) describes witnessing numerous deaths from the heat along the return route. Water distribution became chaotic, with a lack of health workers or ambulances in sight.
Challenges for Unlicensed Pilgrims
Both pilgrims criticize the lack of infrastructure and support for those travelling independently. Traveling outside of licensed groups means limited access to water, food, and air conditioning.
The Demands of Hajj
- All pilgrims endure long periods of walking outdoors in extreme temperatures.
- While hardship is a part of the experience, Ali believes the Saudi government should have provided more aid.
- He emphasizes the importance of pilgrim well-being and safety.
