High Death Toll During 2024 Hajj Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
Over 1,300 people died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia due to extreme high temperatures. The majority of the fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in scorching heat to perform rituals in Mecca. The pilgrimage's history has seen deadly incidents, with the 2015 stampede being the deadliest, killing over 2,400 pilgrims. The extreme heat during this year's Hajj period led to many pilgrims fainting and collapsing.
Key Points
- Over 1,300 deaths during 2024 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
- Majority of fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims
- Historical incidents of deadly stampedes and epidemics during Hajj
- Extreme temperatures during this year's Hajj period
Pros
- Efforts made by Saudi authorities to crack down on unauthorized pilgrims
- Identification and treatment of pilgrims in hospitals
Cons
- High number of fatalities, especially among unauthorized pilgrims
- Lack of adequate services and accommodation for pilgrims in extreme heat