Heatwave Claims Hundreds of Lives During Hajj Pilgrimage

Nearly 500 confirmed fatalities have been reported from this year's Hajj pilgrimage due to extreme heat, with the true toll potentially exceeding 1,000. The deaths include worshipers from various countries, and many more are hospitalized or missing. Despite safety measures, the high temperatures of up to 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) have led to widespread heatstroke and other health issues among the 1.8 million pilgrims. The crisis has raised concerns about the safety of unregistered pilgrims and the adequacy of current safety protocols.