CNN —There were not enough medics or basic facilities to protect Hajj pilgrims from the effects of the sweltering heat in Saudi Arabia last week, two pilgrims recently returned from Hajj told CNN, as the official death toll from this year’s Hajj pilgrimage soared to almost 500.
This years’ Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca has been held amid extreme weather conditions which saw temperatures consistently soar above average figures.
Ali’s comments were echoed by another witness, 44-year-old Ahmad from Indonesia, who told CNN he saw many people falling ill and even dying from the heat.
According to Ali, five hours walking every day is the minimum, but many pilgrims spent 12 hours outside per day.
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar and shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the timing of Hajj on the Gregorian calendar shifts slightly each year.
Persons:
Witnesses, Zirrar Ali, ” Ali, ”, Ahmad, Fadel Senna, “, Rafiq Maqbool, Ali, that’s, Hajj ’ it’s, Ramadan
Organizations:
CNN, Hajj, Getty, Saudi General Authority, Statistics
Locations:
Saudi Arabia, Mecca, London, Indonesia, Hajj, AFP, ”, Saudi