Saudi says 1,300 died during Hajj-2024, 83% of them unregistered pilgrims

Saudi Arabia reported on Sunday that 1,301 people died during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, with a significant number attributed to heat stress and unauthorized trips, as per CNN.

The Saudi government stated, “The health system addressed numerous cases of heat stress this year, with some individuals still under care. Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached 1,301.”

The statement highlighted that 83% of the deceased were unauthorized to perform Hajj, walking long distances without adequate shelter or comfort. It mentioned that among the dead were several elderly and chronically ill individuals, with all families now identified, according to CNN.

Extreme heat, reaching 125 degrees Fahrenheit in Mecca, was cited as the primary cause of many deaths and injuries during the pilgrimage. Authorities noted that unofficial pilgrimages exacerbated the situation.

Saudi Arabia requires pilgrims to acquire one of the 1.8 million available licenses to legally access Mecca, which can cost several thousand US dollars. Unlicensed pilgrims often lack organized transportation with air conditioning or easy access to water and food supplies.

The Saudi government indicated that the unauthorized nature of many trips delayed the official death toll, complicating identification processes.

Despite criticisms of poor infrastructure and organization, the government stated that proper processes were followed for identification, burial, and honoring the deceased.

The Egyptian government, in response to illegal pilgrimages, pledged to revoke licenses of 16 Hajj tourism firms and refer their managers to the public prosecutor, amid concerns of Egyptian casualties.

Hajj permits are allocated based on a quota system, and since the pilgrimage coincided with extreme temperatures, pilgrims faced challenges in the scorching heat. The total number of deaths may increase as governments are aware only of registered pilgrims within their quota.