Senegal has implemented voluntary Covid-19 screening tests and reimposed mask-wearing at Dakar’s airport for returning Hajj pilgrims. The move comes after concerns over a respiratory syndrome that may have contributed to deaths among pilgrims in Mecca. While 78 rapid tests showed positive for Covid-19, authorities urge vigilance and calm to prevent an epidemic.
Over 1,300 pilgrims died during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, with a majority of the deceased being unauthorized participants. The deaths were largely attributed to heat-related causes, with temperatures reaching 51.8 degrees Celsius in Mecca. The Saudi government has reported a successful management of the pilgrimage, despite the high number of deaths. Climate change is expected to exacerbate heat stress during Hajj in the future.
A record number of over 1,300 people have died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, primarily attributed to extreme heat. The majority of the fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who endured long walks in soaring temperatures. Saudi authorities have been criticized for failing to prevent the deaths despite record spending on crowd control and safety measures. The tragedy highlights the increasing danger posed by climate change on religious gatherings.
Egypt has taken decisive action in response to a tragic incident during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, revoking the licenses of 16 travel firms for violating safety protocols. The move underscores Egypt’s commitment to the safety of its citizens traveling abroad and highlights the need for robust oversight in the tourism sector, particularly for religious pilgrimages.
The Egyptian government has taken swift action against 16 tourism companies following the deaths of over 1,100 pilgrims during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, many linked to extreme heat. The companies facilitated illegal travel for pilgrims to Makkah, with a significant number of Egyptian deaths attributed to unregistered pilgrims utilizing personal visit visas. The Saudi government has defended its management of the pilgrimage, highlighting the quota system and lottery for permit allocation. However, high costs have led to an increase in unregistered pilgrims, many risking arrest and deportation.
Egypt has taken action following the deaths of over 530 Egyptian pilgrims during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, revoking the licenses of 16 tourism companies and referring them to the public prosecutor. The crisis unit formed to address the situation has condemned the companies’ negligence in providing essential services, including medical assistance, and their failure to obtain proper Hajj visas for the pilgrims, denying them access to Saudi medical services. The unit also criticized the lack of adequate accommodation provided by the travel agencies, contributing to exhaustion and health complications among the pilgrims in the extreme Mecca heat.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the deaths of 98 Indian pilgrims during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reported that a total of 175,000 Indian pilgrims have visited Hajj so far this year.
Sania Mirza’s father, Imran Mirza, has denied rumors circulating on social media regarding his daughter’s marriage to Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami. The rumors stemmed from the recent divorce of both Sania and Shami from their respective spouses, but Imran clarified that the two have never even met. Sania Mirza is currently on a spiritual journey to Hajj and has been reflecting on her life and seeking forgiveness for her past actions.
The Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has witnessed a tragic rise in fatalities, exceeding 1,000 deaths. Over half of the deceased were unregistered pilgrims who endured extreme heat during the religious rituals. The soaring temperatures, reaching a maximum of 51.8 degrees Celsius, have been linked to many deaths, particularly among those without official permits, who lacked access to cooling facilities. Several countries, including Egypt, India, and Malaysia, have reported significant death tolls, with many victims succumbing to heat-related complications.
At least 68 Indian nationals have died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, according to sources, with the overall death toll surpassing 600. The extreme heat and high temperatures are suspected to be a major contributing factor. While the Indian government hasn’t released an official statement, the number of fatalities is concerning, especially as the heatwave conditions continue in Saudi Arabia.
