Death toll due to extreme heat rises to 235 in Makkah

Hajj Heatwave Deaths

The annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, has been struck by a deadly heatwave, pushing the death toll to 235 as of Tuesday, June 18th, 2024. This number surpasses the previous year's reported fatalities.

Extreme Heat Takes a Toll:

• Soaring temperatures reaching 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) in Makkah have created dangerous conditions for pilgrims.
• Countries like Jordan and Tunisia have reported additional deaths, bringing the total to 235. While the exact cause of death remains unclear for many, heatstroke is a suspected factor.

Concerns Rise Over Missing Pilgrims:

• Jordan has reported a significant number of missing pilgrims, and authorities are working to locate them.
• Similar concerns exist for pilgrims from Egypt, with search operations underway.

Global Impact on the Hajj:

• Several countries, including Indonesia, Iraq, Senegal, and Iran, have also reported deaths among their pilgrims.
• The exact causes of death in these cases haven't been specified.

Climate Change and the Future of Hajj:

• A recent Saudi study highlights the growing threat of climate change to the Hajj pilgrimage.
• The study indicates a concerning rise in regional temperatures, averaging 0.4 degrees Celsius per decade.

Over 1.8 Million Participate Despite Risks:

• Despite the dangers posed by the heat, approximately 1.8 million pilgrims participated in this year's Hajj, with 1.6 million traveling internationally.

A Call for Action:

The rising death toll during Hajj underscores the urgency of addressing the impact of climate change. Implementing measures to safeguard pilgrims' health and well-being during this important religious event is critical.