Extreme heat has proved fatal for hundreds of Muslims who embarked on the Hajj pilgrimage last Friday to the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah in Saudi Arabia.
Nearly two million Muslims will reach the end of the pilgrimage this week.
Climate change is said to be the main cause of soaring temperatures.
According to reports at least 562 people have died during the Hajj. Egypt has reported 307 deaths and 118 missing, with temperatures hitting over 124 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Hajj timing is based on the lunar year moving back ten days each year. While the Hajj is moving toward winter it will occur in the peak of the summer in Saudi Arabia by the 2040’s.
Climate scientist Fahad Sa’eed says these deaths hint at future risks for millions of Hajj pilgrims.
At least 562 people died during this year’s haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as temperatures at times soared past 124 Fahrenheit https://t.co/vwmqvHXP4W pic.twitter.com/PqoZ1ZmedM
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 20, 2024
Muslims take part in stoning ritual as Haj comes to an end.#stoningofthedevil #stoningritual #Haj #Hajj #Mina #SaudiArabia #religion #live #Reuters #news https://t.co/fCDhTb3ZUf
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 18, 2024
Nearly 2 million Muslims will reach the end of the haj pilgrimage this week, but extreme heat has proved fatal for hundreds who began the journey last Friday to the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Mecca in Saudi Arabia https://t.co/vwmqvHYmUu pic.twitter.com/VTp92sfjFc
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 20, 2024
