More than 1,400 people are missing or presumed dead in this year’s annual Hajj due to the intense heat.
Reports from newspapers in several Muslim countries report that hundreds of people have been reported dead, with hundreds more missing, during this year’s annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, as temperatures soar beyond 50 degrees Celsius on most days. The temperature hit 51.9 degrees Celsius in Mecca on June 19.
Shocking videos circulating on social media show dozens of dead bodies dumped on the side of the road in areas believed to be around Mecca. Other videos show dozens of bodies wrapped in caffans (Islamic shrouds) being despatched by Mecca authorities.
Iraqi, Iranian, Jordanian and Syrian officials have reported dozens of deaths of their compatriots. However, some local media, including Iranian, have tried to downplay the numbers of those who have died in their respective countries’ delegations to the holy sites.
After the news of the soaring death toll came out, relatives and families started contacting hospitals and making online requests in search of the missing pilgrims.
The death toll has led to criticism of the way the Saudi authorities are handling the crisis. Arabic language Nabaa TV laid the blame on Saudi authorities for covering up the number of deaths; in its report released on June 20 it said Riyadh authorities “ignored the deaths”.
“With successive data on the number of deaths approaching a thousand in non-final statistics issued by countries, the official Saudi authorities did not issue any statement about the disaster and were content through their agencies with claims of the success of the season.”
Despite the growing number of deaths, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khatib, extended his congratulations to authorities in the country on the “success” of the annual Hajj, local media reported on June 20.
“His Excellency pointed out that this great success achieved was the result of the generous directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the direct follow-up and supervision of His Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them – who harnessed all efforts and capabilities to serve the guests of God, to perform their rituals with all ease, ease and reassurance,” he said in his official statement in the state-owned Al Riyadh newspaper on June 20.
