At least 323 Egyptian pilgrims they died from the heat on the pilgrimage to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia. They report it to the agencies two Arab diplomats who coordinate their countries’ responses. “Everyone died from the heat” except one who reported fatal injuries during a small crowd crush, one of the diplomats said, adding that the total amount came from the hospital morgue in Mecca’s Al-Muaisem neighborhood. Dozens of victims among pilgrims, due to temperatures approaching 50°, had already been reported in recent days, particularly among those coming from Iran and Jordan.
The trip to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam and all Muslims who have the means must celebrate it at least once in their lives. This year they take part in it approximately this year 1.8 million faithful. Many of the rituals are performed outdoors and on foot, creating challenges especially among the elderly. Saudi Arabia has set up heat mitigation measures, including air-conditioned areas, distributes water and offers advice to pilgrims on how to protect themselves from the sun. The Saudi army has deployed more than 1,600 people with specific medical units and 30 emergency response teams and pilgrims were asked to drink lots of water and protect yourself from the sun. At least 240 people died during last year’s Hajj, many from Indonesia, according to data announced by several countries.
