The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia this year saw a tragic number of deaths, primarily due to extreme heat. Here’s a closer look at the situation.
Summary of the Incident
High Death Toll
- Reported Deaths: Many pilgrims died from heat-related causes during the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Country-Specific Reports:
- Egypt: 658 deaths.
- Indonesia: Over 200 deaths.
- India: 98 deaths.
- Other Countries: Deaths were also reported from Pakistan, Malaysia, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia, Sudan, Iraq’s Kurdistan region, and the USA.
Missing Pilgrims
- Search Efforts: Families are searching hospitals and posting online to find missing loved ones.
Participation
- Hajj Requirement: Hajj is a mandatory pilgrimage for all Muslims who are financially and physically able, with about 1.8 million participating this year.
Factors Behind the Deaths
Extreme Heat
- Heatwaves: Extreme heat in Saudi Arabia, with temperatures soaring above 51°C (123°F), was a significant factor behind the high death toll.
- Warnings Ignored: Despite warnings from the Saudi Health Ministry to avoid heat exposure and stay hydrated, many pilgrims suffered from heat stress and heatstroke.
Personal Stories:
- Aisha Idris: A Nigerian pilgrim survived by using an umbrella and constantly dousing herself with Zamzam water.
- Naim: Another pilgrim who died from heatstroke. Her family searched for days before learning of her death.
- History of Heat-Related Deaths: Heat-related deaths during Hajj have been recorded since the 1400s.
Global Warming Impact: Scientists warn that global warming is worsening the heat conditions.
Overcrowding and Sanitation Issues
- Mismanagement: Reports suggest that poor management of accommodation and facilities worsened the situation. Overcrowded tents lacked adequate cooling and sanitation.
- Personal Accounts:
- Amina: From Islamabad, reported no air conditioning and ineffective coolers in the tents.
- Fauziah: A pilgrim from Jakarta, described fainting due to overcrowding and overheating in the tents.
Transportation Problems
- Long Walks: Pilgrims had to walk long distances in intense heat, which led to heatstroke and fatigue.
- Roadblocks and Poor Management: Some blame poor management and roadblocks for the need to walk long distances.
- Organizer’s Insight:
- Muhammad Acha: Noted that pilgrims often walk at least 15 kilometers per day, exposing them to heatstroke and a lack of water.
Undocumented Pilgrims
- Unofficial Hajj: Some pilgrims joined the Hajj without proper documentation, using irregular channels. This left them unable to access cooling facilities like air-conditioned tents and buses
- Authorities’ Response:
- Jordan and Egypt: Investigating travel agents who facilitated unofficial pilgrimages.
- Identification: Irregular pilgrims are identified using Nusuk cards given to official pilgrims.
Elderly, Infirm, or Sick Pilgrims
- Age and Health: Many pilgrims are elderly or unwell, often going towards the end of their lives. Some hope to die and be buried in the holy city.
What Happens if Someone Dies During Hajj?
Reporting and Documentation
- Process: When a pilgrim dies, their identity is confirmed using wristbands or neck IDs. The death is reported to the Hajj Mission
Funeral Arrangements
- Funeral Prayers: Conducted at significant mosques like Masjid al-Haram in Mecca or the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina
- Burial: The body is washed, wrapped, and moved in freezers provided by the Saudi government, which covers all costs
- Cemetery Records: Burials are simple and often unmarked, but a cemetery book lists where each body is buried so families can visit
Safety Measures and Criticisms
Safety Measures
- Saudi Government Efforts: Includes 189 hospitals, health centers, and mobile clinics with over 6,500 beds, and more than 40,000 staff and volunteers to ensure pilgrims’ support to health.
Criticisms
- Lack of Comment: Saudi Arabia has not yet commented on the deaths.
- Unregistered Pilgrims: Criticized for not doing enough to help unregistered pilgrims.
By understanding these factors, it becomes clear why this year’s Hajj pilgrimage saw such a high number of tragic deaths. The extreme heat, overcrowding, and issues faced by undocumented pilgrims all contributed to the crisis.
Table of Contents
Sources:
- BBC News
- Wall Street Journal
- Reuters
