The Hajj pilgrimage of 2024 has witnessed a tragic outcome with the death toll surpassing 1,000 individuals, a significant number of whom were unregistered pilgrims enduring extreme heat in Saudi Arabia. This year's pilgrimage has highlighted the risks faced by participants, particularly those not officially registered for the event.
High Death Toll and Unregistered Pilgrims
This year's Haj pilgrimage has been marked by tragic events, with the death toll exceeding 1,000, a significant number of whom were unregistered worshippers enduring extreme heat in Saudi Arabia. Tunisian President Kais Saied responded to public outcry by dismissing Brahim Chaibi, the Minister of Religious Affairs, in the aftermath of at least 49 Tunisian deaths during the pilgrimage. Families continue to search for several missing individuals in the wake of these fatalities.
Tunisian Minister of Dismissal
According to an AFP report on June 20, the overall death toll from this year's Haj has surpassed 1,000. A significant portion of these casualties consist of unregistered pilgrims who braved harsh conditions while participating in the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia's scorching heat.
Egypt reported 58 new deaths as of June 20, adding to a total of 658 fatalities, with 630 of these being unregistered pilgrims. Similarly, Pakistan and Indonesia confirmed new fatalities among their pilgrims. Pakistan, with approximately 150,000 pilgrims, recorded 58 deaths, while Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs reported 183 deaths among its 240,000 pilgrims, compared to 313 deaths reported last year.
Jordan also faced losses, with its Foreign Ministry reporting on June 16 that 14 Jordanian pilgrims had died from sunstroke due to extreme heat, and 17 others were reported missing.
The Haj pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, has been marred by these tragic incidents, highlighting the challenges and risks faced by pilgrims, especially those who participate without official registration. The deaths and injuries underscore the importance of effective management and safety measures during such large-scale events to ensure the well-being of all participants.
