At least 1,300 hajj pilgrims died during extreme heat

[DrQ]

At least 1,300 hajj pilgrims died during extreme heat, Saudi Arabia says​

Riyadh says more than four-fifths did not have permit to make pilgrimage to Mecca, where temperatures hit 51.8C

At least 1,300 hajj pilgrims died during extreme heat, Saudi Arabia says

Riyadh says more than four-fifths did not have permit to make pilgrimage to Mecca, where temperatures hit 51.8C

www.theguardian.com

And to put an American perspective on the tragedy:

Maryland couple dies during Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia extreme heat - as their heartbroken daughter reveals horror details from their trip of a lifetime​

US couple dies on trip of a lifetime while hiking through extreme heat

Alieu Dausy Wurie, 71, and Isatu Tejan Wurie, 65, had spent their life savings on a dream trip where they died in the extreme heat after waiting hours for transportation.

www.dailymail.co.uk

The couple had been waiting for transportation to arrive when they decided to walk. A member of their group said Alieu Dausy had stopped for a break and then the couple was never seen again.​

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The Egyptian government announced on Saturday it will prosecute travel agents over hajj 'fraud' following thousands of deaths.​

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Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly ordered 16 tourism companies to be stripped of their licenses and referred their managers to the public sector over the illegal pilgrimages to Mecca, the cabinet stated.​

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Each year tens of thousands of pilgrims attempt to perform the hajj through irregular channels as they cannot afford the often costly procedures for official hajj visas.​

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This places these off-the-books pilgrims at risk as they cannot access air-conditioned facilities provided by Saudi authorities along the hajj route.​

My heart goes out to the families.

 

[Brett]

Extreme heat in Middle East, India, Pakistan ... over 120° F