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Seven Iranian pilgrims die as heatwave affects Hajj: Red Crescent
The head of the Red Crescent Society, Pirhossein Kolivand, shared the news on Sunday while visiting the organization’s field hospital in Arafat to inspect medical services for pilgrims.
“So far, during the Hajj days in Mecca and Medina, seven pilgrims have lost their lives,” Kolivand said, adding that some of the pilgrims had pre-existing health conditions, but others succumbed to heatstroke.
Only on the first day in Mina, coincided with Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia, when temperatures soared and numerous rituals were performed, three Iranian pilgrims died.
Iran is not the only country to have suffered pilgrim fatalities so far this Hajj
season. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement reporting 14 deaths among its nationals, with another 17 pilgrims still missing.
Extreme heatwaves and heat strokes were cited as the causes.
Loss of life during Hajj is not unprecedented. Last year, 16 Iranian men and six women died while on the pilgrimage. With temperatures soaring across the Middle East, health officials have warned that heat can pose a significant risk to pilgrims during the physically demanding Hajj rituals.
This year’s Hajj is attended by over 1.8 million pilgrims, one of the largest gatherings in the world. The harsh weather conditions, especially for outdoor rituals, have posed significant challenges, particularly for the elderly.
The extreme heat during this year’s Hajj has been deadly, with temperatures exceeding 46°C (114.8°F).