Following the devastating heat-related deaths of 1,301 pilgrims during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, the Egyptian Meteorological Authority has issued a severe heatwave warning for the country, with temperatures expected to soar up to 45°C in some areas. The heatwave is attributed to a low-pressure system in southern Asia, which is bringing hot air masses to the region, affecting not only Egypt but also parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. The authority has advised the public to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours and to stay hydrated.The recent tragedy in Saudi Arabia has highlighted the growing impact of climate change on global events, with over 1,400 temperature records broken globally in the past week. The majority of the Hajj victims were unauthorized pilgrims, including at least 660 Egyptians, who were forced to walk long distances under the scorching sun without access to shelter or medical aid. Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalaj acknowledged the role of high temperatures in the tragedy and noted that efforts were made to prevent heatstroke. The World Health Organization has warned that the heat could exacerbate health problems in regions like the Gaza Strip, which are already hit hard by the heat.This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its increasingly fatal consequences.
Key points
- Egypt faces a severe heatwave with temperatures expected to reach up to 45°C, following the deadly Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
- The recent Hajj pilgrimage saw 1,301 deaths due to extreme heat, with a significant number of victims being unauthorized pilgrims.
- Global climate change is leading to record-breaking temperatures and is a contributing factor to the recent tragedy during the Hajj.
