DAILY TRUST
Over 900 pilgrims died from heatwave during the five days activities for the 2024 Hajj.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the scorching heat in Saudi Arabia led to deaths among at least 600 Egyptians.
While putting the total figure at 922, according to a tally, it said many old and infirm, took part in the days-long, mostly outdoor pilgrimage, held this year during the oven-like Saudi summer.
“Relatives scoured hospitals and pleaded online for news, fearing the worst after temperatures hit 51.8°C in Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, on Monday.
“Facebook and other social media networks have been flooded with pictures of the missing and requests for information.”
It said in addition to Egypt, fatalities have also been confirmed by Jordan, Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia and Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, though in many cases authorities have not specified the cause.
Despite reports that over 900 pilgrims died during the hajj pilgrimage in Muna, Makkah, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stated that only three Nigerians died during the period.
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