Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia die during Hajj amid intense heat

Hundreds of pilgrims died during this year's Hajj in Saudi Arabia due to extreme heat, with officials remaining silent on the death toll and causes.

Samy Magdy reports for Associated Press.

In short:

• Pilgrims faced temperatures up to 117°F, causing many to collapse and some to die.
• Families struggled to locate missing loved ones at a medical complex in Mecca.
• Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in safety, but climate change may increase future risks.

Key quote:

“. . . saw a lot of people collapsing to the ground unconscious.”

— Khalid Bashir Bazaz, Indian pilgrim

Why this matters:

The scorching temperatures, made worse by the ongoing global climate crisis, have transformed the spiritual undertaking into a life-threatening ordeal. With millions of faithful traveling to Mecca each year, the risks associated with extreme weather events are becoming increasingly clear.