RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — In response to reports attributing over 1,100 deaths during this year’s Hajj to extreme heat, a top Saudi official stated Friday that the fatalities resulted from a lack of preparedness among pilgrims rather than state mismanagement. The deaths occurred as pilgrims faced scorching temperatures during the sacred Islamic ritual, with many victims reportedly from Egypt.
According to Saudi authorities, the pilgrimage, which formally concluded on Wednesday, saw 577 officially acknowledged deaths over its most crowded days. On these days, thousands of pilgrims endured prolonged sun exposure at Mount Arafat and later partook in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina.
This year’s Hajj coincided with the peak Saudi summer, marking temperatures that soared to a record 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit) at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, posing severe risks to the attendees. A government quota system regulates the number of pilgrims allowed, yet many undertaking the journey were unregistered, attempting to perform Hajj without the requisite permits, often to bypass substantial costs.
Unregistered attendees are a growing phenomena encouraged inadvertently by Saudi Arabia’s 2019 introduction of a general tourism visa easing entry regulations. Despite efforts to curb unauthorized pilgrimages — including detainments and deportations — Saudi officials estimated approximately 400,000 unregistered pilgrims had participated by this year’s end, notably highlighted by a late decision to allow those congregating at holy site gates to enter.
The harsh conditions disproportionately affected these unperformed pilgrims, lacking access to necessary amenities like air-conditioned tents, official transportation, and medical aids which compounded the fraught circumstances. Many reported distributive affordability issues accessing alternate transport and medical services, exacerbating their vulnerability to the extreme heat.
Further compounding the tragedy, a significant number of the deceased were reportedly Egyptian nationals, accounting for 658 out of the 1,126 deaths. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department also confirmed multiple fatalities among American citizens but did not provide specific details.
The provision of relief and accommodation during Hajj has historically posed logistical challenges, being exacerbated by the increasing participant numbers and the physical rigors of the pilgrimage rituals. Analysts suggest that while Saudi authorities make considerable preparations each year, the unexpected surge in pilgrim numbers, particularly unregistered ones, strains resources and infrastructure markedly.
Moving forward, this tragedy may serve as a crucial wakeup call necessitating a strategic overhaul in how Hajj is both approached and administered. Ensuring enhanced safety, access to medical and logistical support, and stringent control on unauthorized participants could be key areas of focus.
Saudi officials, while facing criticism, reassert the commitment to pilgrim safety and the continuous improvement of Haj and are reportedly reviewing policies to prevent such high casualty rates in future gatherings, particularly during extreme weather conditions. Meanwhile, the international community continues to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for cooperation and proactive measures to uphold the sanctity and safety of this pivotal religious event.