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During the ongoing Hajj season in Mecca, over 577 pilgrims have tragically lost their lives due to extreme heat during Hajj 2024.
Among those who perished, 323 were from Egypt, and 144 were from Indonesia.
The news agencies reported that 60 pilgrims from Jordan and 35 from Tunisia also succumbed to the heat. Additionally, during Hajj, 11 pilgrims from Iran and 3 from Senegal passed away due to the severe temperatures.
On Monday, the temperature in Mecca reached a scorching 51.8 degrees Celsius.
It is worth noting that the Saudi Meteorological Department had predicted extreme heat for this year’s Hajj season. In response, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had made extensive arrangements for the pilgrims, including water sprinklers and cold water facilities at various locations.
Moreover, the Saudi administration had advised pilgrims from different countries to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the heat.
Hajj 2024: Extreme Heat and Its Impact on Pilgrims
The high temperatures in Mecca have posed significant challenges for the pilgrims, who are already enduring physically demanding rituals. The heat has exacerbated health issues, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions, leading to dehydration, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses.
Measures Taken by Saudi Authorities
The Saudi authorities had put measures in place to mitigate the impact of the extreme heat. These included:
- Water Sprinklers: Installed at various locations to help cool down the pilgrims.
- Cold Water Facilities: Provided to ensure that pilgrims remained hydrated.
- Medical Assistance: Increased availability of medical staff and facilities to treat heat-related illnesses.
- Advisories: Issued guidelines and precautions to help pilgrims protect themselves from the heat.
Despite these measures, the severity of the heat proved overwhelming for many, resulting in a tragic loss of life.
International Response and Precautions
The international community, particularly the countries of the deceased pilgrims, have expressed their condolences and concerns. There is an urgent need for collaborative efforts to improve the safety and well-being of pilgrims in future Hajj seasons, especially in light of the increasing global temperatures.
Read Also: How Women in Mecca Spend the Day of Arafah?
Recommendations for Future Hajj Seasons
To prevent such tragedies in the future, it is essential to consider the following:
- Enhanced Cooling Systems: More advanced and widespread cooling technologies should be implemented.
- Improved Medical Preparedness: Increased medical resources and staff to quickly address heat-related emergencies.
- Comprehensive Awareness Campaigns: Educating pilgrims about the risks of extreme heat and the importance of hydration and rest.
- Flexible Scheduling: Allowing for more flexible scheduling of Hajj rituals to avoid the peak heat periods of the day.
Conclusion
The tragic deaths of over 500 pilgrims due to extreme heat during this year’s Hajj highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures and international cooperation. While the Saudi authorities made significant efforts to mitigate the impact of the heat, the unprecedented temperatures underscored the challenges faced in ensuring the safety of millions of pilgrims. Future Hajj seasons must prioritize enhanced safety protocols and infrastructure to protect the well-being of all pilgrims.