Deaths of pilgrims increased to 922 due to intense heat wave – 2024-06-21 20:17:18

More than 900 pilgrims have died this year due to intense heat wave. As many pilgrims went missing on Wednesday, their family members and relatives were worried. During this year’s Hajj, pilgrims from different countries staying in Saudi have suffered due to severe heat wave. News from AFP.

Local time on Monday in the holy city of Mecca recorded a temperature of 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit). Meanwhile, not finding many pilgrims who came to perform Hajj, their relatives started searching in the hospital. It is known that many have sought help on social media.

This year, 1.8 million people from different countries of the world are visiting Saudi Arabia for Hajj. But most of them are old and frail. This summer’s temperatures in Saudi Arabia have reached unbearable levels. As a result, the pilgrims have become ill due to the extreme heat and sun while performing the various rituals of Hajj.

An Arab diplomat told the AFP news agency that the majority of pilgrims who died during this year’s Hajj were Egyptian nationals. At least 600 pilgrims have died in Egypt this year. Most of them died due to severe heat wave.

According to an AFP report, the death toll of pilgrims who came to Saudi Arabia for Hajj has reached 922. Egyptian officials stationed in Saudi Arabia said their 1,400 pilgrims are missing. Later, 600 deaths were confirmed.

Meanwhile, Tunisian Mohammad told AFP on Wednesday that his wife Mabruka bint Salem Shushana (70) went missing during the Hajj ceremony at Arafat Square on Saturday.

He said his wife was not a registered Hajj pilgrim and was not allowed to perform Hajj rituals. Because of that, he could not take the facilities of the air-conditioned areas.

Mohammad said regretfully, she is an old woman. He was very tired and felt very hot. He could not even find a place to sleep. We searched all the hospitals but could not find him anywhere.

Many on Facebook and other social media have appealed for help by posting pictures of their missing relatives.

TTN