Over 1,301 people have died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, with many of them being unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances under scorching temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F).
Saudi officials reported that a majority of those who died did not have official permits to participate in Hajj and were exposed to direct sunlight without adequate shelter.
Efforts were made to warn pilgrims about the risks of heat stress, but nearly half a million pilgrims still required medical treatment, including over 140,000 without permits.
Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and highlighted ongoing efforts to provide medical care.
Criticism has been directed at Saudi Arabia for not ensuring the safety of unregistered pilgrims, who lack access to facilities like air-conditioned tents and official transport.
Countries worldwide have reported deaths among their citizens participating in Hajj, although Saudi Arabia had not previously disclosed an official death toll.
Hajj, a mandatory pilgrimage for financially and physically able Muslims, drew about 1.8 million participants this year.
The deaths have sparked reactions globally, with some countries taking disciplinary actions against tour operators facilitating illegal pilgrimages.
Before the pilgrimage, Saudi authorities had already removed hundreds of thousands of unauthorized pilgrims from Mecca.
The process of obtaining Hajj permits involves a quota system allocated to countries and distributed by lottery, but the high costs lead many to attempt unauthorized participation, risking arrest and deportation if caught.
This summary captures the key points from the BBC’s coverage, focusing on the significant loss of life among unauthorized pilgrims during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia and the broader implications of the tragedy.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8000dgk9gzo