Sunday 15, 2024
By Methuselah Nyamari
Image: Rafiq Maqbool/AP Photo/
As the Hajj pilgrimage progresses in Saudi Arabia, the soaring temperatures have turned deadly, with at least 19 pilgrims succumbing to heatstroke. This tragic event highlights the extreme conditions faced by millions of Muslims who undertake this sacred journey annually.
Heatwave Tragedy: 19 Pilgrims Dead
According to the Jordanian Foreign Ministry, 14 of the deceased were from Jordan, succumbing to sunstroke amidst the severe heat wave. The Iranian Red Crescent reported that five Iranian pilgrims have also died in Mecca and Medina, though the specific causes of these deaths were not disclosed.
A Saudi study said regional temperatures were rising 0.4 C each decade, and worsening heat may be outpacing mitigation measures
Image: Rafiq Maqbool/AP Photo/picture alliance
This year’s Hajj coincides with a significant heatwave, with temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and expected to peak at 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit). Such conditions pose severe risks, particularly to the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Measures to Combat Heat-Related Illnesses
Saudi authorities have implemented several measures to mitigate the effects of the extreme heat. Climate-controlled areas have been set up, and officials are actively distributing water and advising pilgrims on sun protection strategies. Additionally, military medical units have been deployed to treat heatstroke, and rapid response teams are on standby.
Despite these efforts, the sheer number of pilgrims – over 1.8 million this year, according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics – makes managing heat-related illnesses a significant challenge. Last year alone, more than 10,000 heat-related illnesses were recorded, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the harsh climate.
The Pilgrimage and Its Rituals
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who have the means and health to undertake the journey to Mecca. The pilgrimage involves several outdoor rituals, including the symbolic “stoning of the devil,” which is considered one of the riskiest parts due to the large crowds.
This ritual, performed in the western part of Saudi Arabia, coincides with the start of Eid al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Despite the extreme heat, pilgrims continue to participate in this significant act of faith and devotion.
Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades
In recent years, Saudi authorities have significantly upgraded infrastructure to better accommodate the influx of pilgrims. A quota system has been implemented to manage the number of visitors to Mecca, ensuring safer and more organized participation in the Hajj.
While these measures have improved the overall experience and safety of the pilgrimage, the current heatwave has underscored the need for continuous enhancements and vigilant management of health risks.
The loss of 19 pilgrims due to heatstroke is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by the extreme heat during the Hajj. As global temperatures continue to rise, it becomes increasingly important for both authorities and pilgrims to prioritize health and safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Press Corp 