Mumbai, June 19: The Hajj, a pillar of faith and endurance, can be gruelling in nature. At least 550 pilgrims tragically lost their lives amid scorching temperatures this year. This solemn pilgrimage to Mecca, mandatory for Muslims with the means, has been marred by reports of fatalities primarily attributed to heat-related illnesses. Egyptian and Jordanian pilgrims accounted for a significant number of the casualties at Hajj in 2024, with diplomats confirming that most deaths were due to the extreme heat that swept through the holy sites.

According to a report by NDTV, of the 550 fatalities, 323 were Egyptians, and 60 were Jordanians, predominantly succumbing to heat-related conditions during the pilgrimage rituals. The toll highlights the strenuous conditions faced by pilgrims, exacerbated by soaring temperatures that reached a blistering 51.8 degrees Celcius at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The figures, compiled from the morgue at Mecca’s Al-Muaisem neighbourhood, indicate a grim reality despite efforts by Saudi authorities to mitigate health risks during the hajj. Indian Tennis Icon Sania Mirza Embarks on ‘Sacred Journey of Hajj’ To Seek ‘Spiritual Renewal’.

During this year's Hajj, temperatures soared, reaching as high as 51.8°C at the Grand Mosque in Mecca with 577 fatalities being report out of which 577 where related to heat alone. Journalists observed pilgrims in Mina seeking relief from the heat, with volunteers distributing water and ice cream to alleviate discomfort. Despite Saudi authorities' recommendations to mitigate heat exposure, many rituals, such as prayers on Mount Arafat, necessitate prolonged outdoor exposure. Hajj 2024: First Batch of 642 Hajj Pilgrims From Jammu and Kashmir To Leave for Saudi Arabia in Two Flights From Srinagar Airport (Watch Videos).

The largest number of deaths, amounting to 550, were recorded at the morgue in Al-Muaisem, one of Mecca's largest facilities. Reports indicate that the fatalities include pilgrims from several nations, though specific details on the nationalities of the deceased have not been uniformly disclosed.  Saudi officials have addressed over 2,000 cases of pilgrims suffering from heat stress, although specific updates on fatalities have not been provided since Sunday.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 19, 2024 01:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).