It is believed that hundreds have perished due to the extreme heat during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The deceased hail from over two dozen nations, with a significant number of the fatalities being Egyptian. The BBC has reported on a community in Egypt that has mourned the loss of over 20 individuals.
Numerous Egyptian pilgrims hail from impoverished villages, often spending their life savings on the spiritual pilgrimage to Islam's holiest city.
A 70-year-old mother of five, Effendiya, from the northern province of Menoufiya, sold her jewelry to fund her journey, but tragically passed away while carrying out her rituals.
"Her passing has shattered me," Sayyed confides, overcome with emotion. He shares that performing Hajj was his mother's greatest aspiration.
Effendiya, a widow, journeyed to Mecca with a tourist visa rather than the required Hajj visa. She became one of the numerous unregistered pilgrims attempting to perform their religious obligations this year without the proper Hajj permits.
The Saudi authorities consider these unauthorized visits as violations of their established regulations.
The process of securing official Hajj permits can often be expensive and complex. Joining an official Hajj convoy in Egypt, a nation facing severe economic challenges, may cost approximately $6,000 (£4,700) per individual.
Effendiya's journey was arranged by a local agent who charged half this price while assuring a five-star service, according to her family.
On Arafat Day, pilgrims gather from dawn to dusk on Mount Arafat for prayers and sermons. Effendiya and other unregistered pilgrims "lacked all these facilities; they were completely forsaken," according to her son Sayyed.
The Egyptian authorities have reported that numerous deceased pilgrims were not registered, which complicates the establishment of an official death toll.
The foreign ministry has indicated that identifying the deceased and notifying their families will require additional time and effort.
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that an investigation will be initiated into the operations of all tour companies implicated in sending unregistered pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
