Amid soaring temperatures reaching up to 49°C (120°F), the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has been marred by tragedy as at least 19 Jordanian and Iranian pilgrims have died, and 17 remain unaccounted for. The Saudi Ministry of Health has reported that over 2,760 pilgrims suffered from sunstroke and heat stress on a single day, highlighting the severe impact of the heatwave on the millions of Muslims gathered for the sacred event The Saudi authorities have implemented several heat mitigation measures, including setting up climate-controlled areas and distributing water, but the extreme temperatures have overwhelmed these efforts The death toll includes a woman named ‘Aml Muhammad Mahmoud’ from the Eastern Province, marking the fourth death from this region during the pilgrimage. As the pilgrimage continues, the Saudi Ministry of Health advises pilgrims to avoid exposure to the sun and stay hydrated, especially during the hottest hours of the day. This year’s Hajj has attracted pilgrims from around the world, with the Saudi authorities expecting over 2 million participants. The recent fatalities have raised serious concerns about the safety of pilgrims, particularly the elderly, during such extreme weather conditions.
Key points
- At least 19 pilgrims from Jordan and Iran have died during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia due to extreme heat.
- Over 2,760 cases of sunstroke and heat stress were reported by the Saudi Ministry of Health on a single day.
- Despite measures to mitigate the heat, temperatures reaching up to 49°C (120°F) have continued to pose significant risks to pilgrims.
