There are increasing casualties due to the heat during this year’s pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. According to the latest data, during the ceremonies, mainly due to the heat reaching 52 degrees Celsius, more than 900 people died. Earlier reports mentioned 550 fatalities.
As reported by AFP, citing data from the Al-Muaisem Hospital morgue in Mecca, of the 922 deaths, the majority were due to the heat.
All Egyptian victims except one died due to the heat – said an Arab diplomat. So far, the death of at least 60 Jordanians has also been recorded. Among the 600 Egyptian victims were many pilgrims who came to Mecca avoiding official registration, thereby having no access to air-conditioned areas – French media reported.
AFP contacted an anonymous diplomat who reported that among the fatalities are 68 Indian citizens. – Some deaths are the result of natural causes; we have many elderly pilgrims – he said, not specifying how many Indian citizens died due to the heat and how many due to natural causes.
Although Saudi authorities urged to drink plenty of water, stay under umbrellas and avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day – between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Eastern Time – long-lasting rituals, which are a necessary part of the pilgrimage, require spending many hours outside.
