In an official statement, the Saudi government acknowledged “numerous cases” of heat stress, noting that 83% of the deceased pilgrims were “unauthorized to perform Hajj.” These individuals, the statement detailed, “walked long distances under direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort.”

The extreme temperatures in Mecca, which soared above 125 degrees Fahrenheit, posed significant challenges for pilgrims. Witnesses reported scenes of people collapsing from heat exhaustion and bodies covered in white cloth lining the walkways.

A major concern has been the increase in unauthorized pilgrimages. Due to the high cost of Hajj permits, which are allocated by country quotas and require a license for legal entry to Mecca, some pilgrims opt for alternative, often perilous routes. These unauthorized journeys expose them to greater risks, including the harsh desert environment.

In a recent development, Egyptian authorities revoked the licenses of 16 tourism companies accused of facilitating illegal trips. Reports indicate that hundreds of Egyptians might be among the deceased, far surpassing the official death toll of 31. The Egyptian government stated that these companies failed to provide proper visas, forcing pilgrims to traverse dangerous desert paths and endure the brutal heat.

This tragedy has reignited calls for improved infrastructure and better organization of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Critics argue that even with official permits, pilgrims still spend extensive periods outdoors under the scorching sun, underscoring the need for more effective measures to ensure their safety.