At least 14 Hajj pilgrims die in intense heat
At least 14 Jordanian citizens have died from heatstroke during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, according to Jordanian officials. The extreme heat has also left 17 Jordanians missing.
The Jordanian foreign ministry reported that these deaths were caused by a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 46°C (114.8°F).
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and any able Muslim is obliged to perform this journey once in their lifetime. Those who die during the pilgrimage are buried in Janat-ul-baqi, which Muslims believe is a pathway to heaven.
Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the largest annual gatherings in the world, has seen over 1.8 million pilgrims arrive this year, with an additional 1 million local residents, who gather to perform the intense ritual.
Unfortunately, it has a history of deadly incidents, including stampedes and fires. However, since the 2010 the Saudi government has invested billions into the infrastructure but the primary challenge most years is the intense heat.
This year, the head of Saudi Arabia’s National Meteorology Centre, Ayman Ghulam, warned that temperatures in Mecca and Medina would be 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius higher than usual. This prediction held true, making the outdoor rituals especially difficult for the elderly.
The Iranian Red Crescent also confirmed the deaths of five Iranian pilgrims, though the cause was not specified.
To combat the heat, Saudi officials have implemented several measures, including setting up climate-controlled areas, distributing water, and advising pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid the sun during peak hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Video showing Pilgrims during Hajj 2024
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