- This year’s Hajj has been chaotic, as many people have lost their lives during the sacred pilgrimage
- Saudi authorities have reported that over 1,301 people have lost their lives due to an intense heatwave.
- It was said that many of the victims were unauthorised pilgrims who had trekked and suffered under the intense heat.
According to Saudi’s news agency, SPA, the victims lost their lives as a result of the heatwave, which sometimes exceeded 50C (122F).
In its first official figures released, the Saudi government reported, “The health system addressed numerous cases of heat stress this year, with some individuals still under care. Regrettably, the number of deaths reached 1,301.”
SPA also reported that “More than three-quarters of the victims were unauthorised pilgrims who walked and endured long journeys to Mecca.
According to Saudi Arabia, Hajj permits are allocated to countries based on a quota system and given to individuals by lottery. This year, approximately 1.8 million people took part in the Hajj.
Prior to the Hajj, Saudi authorities announced that they had removed thousands of illegal pilgrims from Mecca.
Although all Muslims who are financially capable and physically fit must complete the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime, due to the high cost, many people try to join the Hajj without the appropriate permit, even though they risk getting deported.
How hot is Mecca to have caused the deaths?
Extreme heat, reaching a record 52 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit) in Mecca, has been cited as a major factor behind the numerous deaths and injuries reported this year. Compounding these challenges are the unauthorised pilgrimages, where pilgrims lack the necessary licenses, each costing thousands of US dollars, for legal access to Mecca. These unlicensed pilgrims typically travel without organised amenities such as air-conditioned buses and adequate supplies of water and food.
The Saudi government also said that the unauthorised nature of many trips delayed the official death toll announcement and complicated the identification process. Despite initial challenges, the Saudi government assured that proper procedures were followed for identification, burial, and issuing of death certificates.
Nigerians react to death toll in Saudi
People of Nigeria took to social media to express their thoughts on the Hajj tragedy in Saudi Arabia.
@extraMiles07 said, "During the World Cup Qatar had AC fitted stadiums for football fans all over the world to watch matches in comfort so why can’t Saudi Arabia provide such comfort for those that come for Hajj or can’t they afford it? Heat wave can’t continue killing Pilgrims every year."
@Apogee37647014 stated, "Nothing bad there. They have sacrificed themselves for their God."
@_IamEmeka tweeted, "Next year, they go again. The sun should deal with corrupt Nigerian politicians among them."
@Allforjoy also expressed, "So what are the steps towards safety of life because this tragedy happens every year or Should it be included among the 1000 ways to die easily."
@davesavy shared, "Them run sacrifice dey call am heatwave. Okay nau."