Over 550 Hajj Pilgrims Die Amidst Soaring 50°C Temperatures

This year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, has been severely impacted by extreme heat, leading to the tragic deaths of several dozen adults and one baby. With temperatures reaching a scorching 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit), the pilgrimage has become perilous for many elderly and vulnerable pilgrims. The intense heat highlights the growing challenges posed by climate change, making it crucial for future Hajj events to implement comprehensive safety measures.

Rising Temperatures on Hajj Pilgrimage

Typically warm during this time of year, the Arabian Peninsula has seen unprecedented heat due to climate change, making the Hajj pilgrimage particularly hazardous. Over 2,000 pilgrims have suffered from heat exhaustion since the beginning of this year’s Hajj period, according to local reports.

Country-Specific Casualties

Jordan: The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on June 15 that 12 of its citizens had died from sunstroke while performing Hajj rituals. Local media later reported that the death toll among Jordanian pilgrims had reached 14.

Egypt: The number of deaths among Egyptian pilgrims has reached nine, including a toddler. The child’s family reported his death in the Holy Mosque, unable to withstand the high temperatures.

Morocco: Five Moroccan pilgrims have died, three from diabetes complications and two from heat stress, as reported by the Moroccan website Hespress.

Iran: The head of Iran’s Red Crescent Society confirmed that at least five Iranian pilgrims had died due to the extreme heat, with many of the deceased being elderly. The Iranian Red Crescent team has assisted nearly 13,000 people, focusing on hydration efforts.

Saudi Arabia’s Response

To mitigate the effects of the extreme heat, Saudi authorities have implemented measures such as spraying water vapor over large areas and introducing other cooling technologies. Despite these efforts, the excessive heat continues to pose a significant risk to the millions of pilgrims participating in the Hajj ceremonies, which include visits to Makkah, Medina, and Mount Arafat.

Global Climate Predictions

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has indicated that global temperatures will continue to rise over the next few years. The global mean near-surface temperature between 2024 and 2028 is predicted to be between 1.1°C and 1.9°C higher than the 1850-1900 baseline. There is an 86% likelihood that at least one of these years will set a new temperature record, surpassing 2023, which is currently the warmest year on record.

The number of deaths during the Hajj pilgrimage varies each year, influenced by factors such as crowd size, weather conditions, and specific incidents. In 2019, for example, at least 230 pilgrims died from health complications during Hajj. This year’s extreme heat has exacerbated health-related fatalities, with warnings of temperatures exceeding 48°C for the entire week in Makkah and Medina.

The global temperature was notably high last year due to a strong El Niño. The WMO predicts the development of a La Niña, which may bring a temporary return to cooler conditions in the tropical Pacific. However, the long-term trend of rising temperatures continues to pose challenges for large gatherings like the Hajj pilgrimage.

As climate change continues to drive extreme weather events, the safety of millions of pilgrims undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage is increasingly at risk. The Saudi authorities’ efforts to cool down the pilgrims are crucial, but the ongoing rise in global temperatures calls for more comprehensive measures to protect vulnerable populations during such significant religious events.