An estimated 1,301 people have died during this year’s Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj, due to sweltering temperatures at the Saudi Arabia holy site, CNN reported Sunday, citing Saudi officials.
“The health system addressed numerous cases of heat stress this year, with some individuals still under care. Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached 1,301,” CNN reported, citing a statement by Saudi government officials. One of Islam’s most significant rites of passage, the pilgrimage is mandatory for all financially and physically able Muslims at least once in their lives.
The pilgrimage is an annual five-day journey for Muslims heading to the holy city of Mecca, which at times has seen over two million people in attendance, according to the Associated Press.
While temperatures have been high before, the holy city hit record-setting numbers Monday, reaching a…
