Muslim pilgrims seek shelter from the sun by using umbrellas as they arrive at the pillars in Mina to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil, the final ritual of the annual hajj, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
The scorching temperatures experienced during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia have resulted in the deaths of numerous pilgrims. Authorities have reported a significant increase in fatalities due to the extreme heat at the Islamic holy sites, with temperatures surpassing 50 degrees Celsius.
Muslim pilgrims engage in the act of circumambulating the Kaaba, the cubic structure located at the Grand Mosque, during the yearly Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, June 17, 2024. According to an online list circulating, it is estimated that at least 550 individuals lost their lives during the five-day pilgrimage. This surge in fatalities has raised concerns and prompted investigations, particularly as a large number of victims from different countries have succumbed to the harsh conditions. Among the deceased are two pilgrims from Bengaluru.
Muslim pilgrims utilize umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun as they gather outside Nimrah Mosque to offer the noon prayers in Arafat, on the second day of the annual hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, June 15, 2024. The extreme heat experienced during this period has led to incidents of pilgrims fainting, especially during the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual. Despite Saudi Arabia’s significant investments in crowd control and safety measures for the Hajj, the sheer number of participants poses considerable challenges in ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
A Muslim worshipper prays atop the rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, situated on the Plain of Arafat, as part of the yearly Hajj pilgrimage near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, June 15, 2024. The growing threat of climate change will only increase the dangers faced by pilgrims on future journeys. Consequently, Egypt has established a crisis unit on June 20 to investigate the deaths of Egyptian pilgrims and search for 31 missing individuals.
Muslim pilgrims are seen resting in Muzdalifah on the second day of the annual hajj pilgrimage, near Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Advice has been given to utilize umbrellas to shield against the sun and to remain properly hydrated. Furthermore, individuals are cautioned against engaging in outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On the Plain of Arafat, near the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, a Muslim pilgrim devoutly prays atop the rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This significant event, taking place on Saturday, June 15, 2024, serves as a reminder of the pressing necessity to implement improved safeguards for pilgrims against severe weather conditions. Additionally, it highlights the wider impact of climate change on large-scale religious gatherings, emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures to address this issue.
