Extreme Heat Claims Lives During Hajj Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
At least 14 Jordanian pilgrims have succumbed to sunstroke during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, as temperatures soar to dangerous levels. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry reported the heartbreaking news, adding that 17 more citizens are currently missing. The ministry is working closely with Saudi authorities to handle the burial procedures and potential transportation of the bodies back to Jordan, according to the wishes of their families.
This tragic news comes amid reports from the Iranian Red Crescent that five Iranian pilgrims also died, although the exact causes remain unspecified. The Hajj, which is one of the world's largest religious gatherings, has drawn over 1.8 million participants this year, according to Saudi officials. Despite preventive measures, the extreme heat remains a significant challenge. The temperature has reached over 46 degrees Celsius (114.8 degrees Fahrenheit), making rituals performed outdoors and on foot particularly grueling for older individuals.
Ayman Gholam, the head of the Saudi Meteorological Authority, warned last week that temperatures in Mecca and Medina, the holiest cities in Islam, are expected to be 1.5 to 2 degrees higher than average. The severe heat has already led to 225 cases of heat stress reported at a treatment center near Mount Arafat.
To combat the scorching temperatures, Saudi officials have set up numerous controlled areas providing water and giving advice on how to avoid heat stress. The Saudi Ministry of Health has also issued guidelines, urging pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors during the hottest parts of the day, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Last year, Hajj saw the deaths of at least 240 participants. In 2015, the event witnessed its deadliest disaster when over 2,000 people were trampled to death. Naron Khan, a Canadian pilgrim, shared her experiences, describing the physical exhaustion despite the spiritually fulfilling nature of the pilgrimage. She experienced symptoms of heat exhaustion during some of the ceremonies.
The Islamic pilgrimage, which every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime, continues to grapple with the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions. The Saudi authorities are on high alert, taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, but the heat remains a relentless adversary.
- The Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, during which the Hajj takes place, follows the lunar calendar, making the event's date slightly different each year according to the Gregorian calendar. This year’s pilgrimage occurs two months and ten days after Ramadan.
- Saudi Arabia, known for its extreme temperatures, expects this year’s Hajj to be one of the hottest on record. The Saudi General Statistics Authority warned that temperatures could reach up to 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) in Mecca, adding another layer of difficulty for the pilgrims who have traveled across the globe to fulfill this religious obligation.
