AhlulBayt News Agency: Saudi authorities have reported the demise of at least 1,300 individuals in the hajj pilgrimage amidst a severe heatwave, with a majority of the deceased lacking formal permit for the pilgrimage.
"Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached 1,301, with 83% being unauthorized to perform hajj and having walked long distances under direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort," the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Previously, a count by AFP, corroborated by diplomatic sources, estimated the death toll to exceed 1,100. Reports indicated a significant proportion of Egyptian nationals among the casualties, with 658 fatalities, including 630 who were not registered pilgrims.
The Saudi administration had maintained silence over the incident until the recent announcement. Notably, a high-ranking official disclosed a figure of 577 deaths corresponding to the peak days of the pilgrimage, specifically the 15th and 16th of June, marked by rituals on Mount Arafat and the stoning of the devil in Mina.
Fahd al-Jalajel, the Saudi Health Minister, characterized this year's hajj management as "successful," despite the tragic outcomes. He said that efforts to educate the public on the risks associated with extreme temperatures were undertaken. "May Allah forgive and have mercy on the deceased. Our heartfelt condolences go to their families."
The hajj, a mandatory Islamic rite for financially and physically capable Muslims, witnessed the participation of approximately 1.8 million pilgrims, mirroring the previous year's figures. Of these, an estimated 1.6 million were international visitors.
The pilgrimage rituals, traditionally conducted outdoors, have coincided with the intense summer heat of Saudi Arabia in recent years. This year, temperatures in Mecca soared to a scorching 51.8°C (125.2°F).
In a related development, the Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, mandated the revocation of licenses for 16 travel agencies, holding them accountable for unauthorized pilgrimages. These entities reportedly facilitated hajj travel under personal visit visas, barring entry to Mecca through official routes.
The hajj permit system operates on a quota basis, with countries receiving allocations and distributing access through a lottery system. Despite the availability of permits, the prohibitive costs drive many to undertake the pilgrimage without official permission, risking legal consequences.
/129
"Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached 1,301, with 83% being unauthorized to perform hajj and having walked long distances under direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort," the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Previously, a count by AFP, corroborated by diplomatic sources, estimated the death toll to exceed 1,100. Reports indicated a significant proportion of Egyptian nationals among the casualties, with 658 fatalities, including 630 who were not registered pilgrims.
The Saudi administration had maintained silence over the incident until the recent announcement. Notably, a high-ranking official disclosed a figure of 577 deaths corresponding to the peak days of the pilgrimage, specifically the 15th and 16th of June, marked by rituals on Mount Arafat and the stoning of the devil in Mina.
Fahd al-Jalajel, the Saudi Health Minister, characterized this year's hajj management as "successful," despite the tragic outcomes. He said that efforts to educate the public on the risks associated with extreme temperatures were undertaken. "May Allah forgive and have mercy on the deceased. Our heartfelt condolences go to their families."
The hajj, a mandatory Islamic rite for financially and physically capable Muslims, witnessed the participation of approximately 1.8 million pilgrims, mirroring the previous year's figures. Of these, an estimated 1.6 million were international visitors.
The pilgrimage rituals, traditionally conducted outdoors, have coincided with the intense summer heat of Saudi Arabia in recent years. This year, temperatures in Mecca soared to a scorching 51.8°C (125.2°F).
In a related development, the Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, mandated the revocation of licenses for 16 travel agencies, holding them accountable for unauthorized pilgrimages. These entities reportedly facilitated hajj travel under personal visit visas, barring entry to Mecca through official routes.
The hajj permit system operates on a quota basis, with countries receiving allocations and distributing access through a lottery system. Despite the availability of permits, the prohibitive costs drive many to undertake the pilgrimage without official permission, risking legal consequences.
/129