A tragedy struck the annual hajj pilgrimage as the death toll climbed past 900 due to the scorching heat in Mecca. Amid temperatures reaching 51.8 degrees Celsius, friends and family searched desperately for missing pilgrims among the 1.8 million participants from around the world, many of whom were elderly and frail.
Reports of deaths among Egyptians alone rose to at least 600, with a total of 922 confirmed dead so far. The search for missing pilgrims, including unregistered ones like Mabrouka bint Salem Shushana, intensified as loved ones sought answers amid heartbreaking uncertainty.
Despite the challenges, social media platforms became a crucial tool for sharing information and locating missing individuals like Ghada Mahmoud Ahmed Dawood. The rigors of the pilgrimage, combined with the extreme weather conditions, highlighted the risks faced by all participants.
As authorities worked to assess the situation, the hajj’s significance as one of Islam’s five pillars underscored the importance of completing the pilgrimage. The ongoing tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices and dangers inherent in this spiritual journey.
© 2024 AFP