The deaths, reported from multiple countries, underscore the challenges faced by many who attempted to join the pilgrimage through unofficial channels due to the high costs associated with official permits. Saudi authorities had endeavored to clear hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims from Mecca ahead of the rituals, yet many still participated, lacking access to the air-conditioned facilities provided to registered pilgrims.
According to an Arab diplomat, "People were tired after being chased by security forces before Arafat day. They were exhausted," describing the conditions during the climactic day-long prayers held outdoors. This exhaustion, compounded by the scorching heat, proved fatal for many, particularly those without official permits who couldn't seek respite in cooler areas.
Egypt has been especially hard-hit, with 658 reported deaths, out of which 630 were unregistered pilgrims. Egyptian officials have been scrambling to assist their citizens, navigating the challenge of identifying and providing medical care to those not listed in official databases. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement acknowledging the difficulties in locating missing persons and notifying their families.
President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi of Egypt has taken action, establishing a "crisis cell" to coordinate efforts with Saudi authorities. The goal is to streamline the process of repatriating the deceased and providing support to affected families. "The need for immediate coordination with the Saudi authorities to facilitate receiving the bodies of the deceased and streamline the process," emphasized a statement from Sisi's office.
Other nations have also reported casualties. Pakistan, with 150,000 pilgrims, recorded 58 deaths, while Indonesia reported 183 fatalities out of 240,000 pilgrims. Despite these losses, officials from both countries expressed a somber acceptance of the circumstances, with a Pakistani diplomat noting, "I think given the number of people, given the weather, this is just natural."
Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed the death toll, indicating a decrease from the previous year's figures. The situation has prompted concerns and condolences from governments worldwide, with countries like Malaysia, India, Jordan, Iran, and various African nations reporting deaths among their pilgrims.
The intense heat in Mecca, exacerbated by climate trends indicating rising temperatures, has posed significant challenges. The Saudi national meteorological center recorded temperatures peaking at 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit) near the Grand Mosque. Experts have noted a steady increase in temperatures in the region, projecting a rise of 0.4 degrees Celsius per decade, which could further impact future pilgrimages.
Saudi authorities have begun the process of burying the deceased pilgrims, adhering to their customs and protocols. "The burial is done by the Saudi authorities. They have their own system so we just follow that," explained one diplomat involved in the process. Efforts are underway to notify families, although challenges remain, particularly in countries like Egypt where a significant number of the deceased originated.
In response to the tragic events, there has been a call for better coordination and preparedness in future hajj seasons. A 2019 study highlighted the potential exacerbation of heat stress due to climate change, projecting critical thresholds could be surpassed in the coming decades, further endangering pilgrims.
As the hajj pilgrimage, which follows the lunar Islamic calendar, continues to draw millions annually, the recent deaths serve as a stark reminder of the environmental and logistical challenges faced by organizers and participants alike. The international community mourns the lives lost and looks towards improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in future pilgrimages.