Mecca, Saudi Arabia - The annual Hajj pilgrimage has been marred by tragedy this year, with more than 1,000 deaths reported as of Thursday, according to an AFP tally. The majority of these fatalities were unregistered pilgrims who braved the extreme heat to perform the sacred rites in Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and attracts millions of Muslims from around the world, took place under sweltering conditions, with temperatures reaching 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 Fahrenheit) in Mecca.
This year's Hajj coincided with the peak of the Saudi summer, exacerbating the challenges faced by pilgrims.
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Many of the deceased suffered from heat-related complications, including high blood pressure and other medical issues triggered by the scorching temperatures. Saudi authorities have not disclosed the exact number of fatalities, but reports from various countries indicate a significant toll.
Egypt, in particular, has been heavily impacted, with 658 Egyptian pilgrims reported dead, 630 of whom were unregistered.
The Egyptian government has established a "crisis cell" headed by the prime minister to address the situation and coordinate with Saudi authorities to facilitate the return of the deceased and provide medical care to those in need.
The Saudi government has faced criticism for not providing adequate support and facilities for unregistered pilgrims, who are more vulnerable due to their inability to access air-conditioned spaces provided for authorized pilgrims.
The authorities have been working to clear unregistered pilgrims from Mecca, but many still managed to participate in the main rites, risking their health and safety.
As the burial process for the deceased pilgrims begins, friends and relatives continue to search for missing loved ones, relying on hospitals and online platforms for any information.
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The scale of the tragedy has raised concerns about the impact of climate change on future Hajj pilgrimages, with experts warning that heat stress will become increasingly dangerous in the coming decades.
The Saudi government has not officially commented on the number of deaths or the steps taken to address the situation.
As the Hajj concludes, questions remain about the responsibility of the host country to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims, regardless of their registration status.
