Extreme Heat Claims Lives of 577 Pilgrims During Hajj 🌞😢

The Hajj pilgrimage is facing severe heat, causing immense suffering for the pilgrims. Due to extreme temperatures and humidity, many pilgrims are collapsing. As of Tuesday, over 550 pilgrims have died, according to Arab diplomats. Most of the deceased are from Egypt and Jordan, with 323 Egyptians and 60 Jordanians among the victims.

Officials revealed that all these deaths were due to heat-related issues. Despite efforts by authorities to provide relief from the heat, the fatalities continue. Al-Mu'aisem Hospital, one of the largest in Mecca, currently has 550 bodies in its morgue. Around 2,000 pilgrims have been treated for heat-related problems.

Currently, temperatures in Mecca are above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). The Saudi National Weather Center reported a temperature of 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit) at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Monday. This has caused concern among the families of the pilgrims.

Every decade, temperatures in Saudi Arabia increase by 0.4 degrees, a worrying trend. This year's Hajj pilgrimage will conclude on June 19th (Wednesday). Last year, over 240 deaths were recorded during the Hajj pilgrimage.

Hajj: A Major Revenue Source for Saudi Arabia The Hajj pilgrimage generates significant revenue for Saudi Arabia, earning the country $12 billion annually. As part of the Vision 2030 roadmap, Saudi Arabia aims to increase the number of religious tourists for Hajj and Umrah to 30 million by 2030. Pilgrims spend considerable amounts on food, travel, accommodation, and other expenses, boosting the national treasury. The cost of the Hajj pilgrimage for an individual ranges between $3,000 and $10,000.