Heat wave kills 14 Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

Last year, at least 240 people died.

Tosin Ajuwon • June 17, 2024

Nigerian pilgrims used to illustrate the story [Photo Credit: The Guardian]

An extreme heat wave has killed 14 Jordanian citizens during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, the country’s foreign ministry reports.

In a statement, Jordan’s foreign ministry confirmed that the victims died after “suffering sunstroke due to the extreme heat wave.”

It added that 17 had been reported missing.

Jordanian officials said searches were continuing for those missing.

The foreign ministry explained that it was coordinating with the Saudi authorities on procedures to bury or transport the bodies of the deceased in line with the wishes of their families.

Also, the Iranian Red Crescent confirmed that five Iranian pilgrims had also lost their lives.

Quoting the AFP news agency, it did not specify how they died.

Saudi officials revealed that more than 1.8 million pilgrims are taking part in this year’s hajj mission.

Hajj, a religious requirement for all Muslims, is one of the largest mass gatherings in the world.

It is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with five daily prayers, fasting, charity, and a belief in God and Muhammad as a prophet.

Hajj has a history of deadly catastrophes, including stampedes and tent fires.

However, in most years, the main challenge comes from intense heat.

This week, temperatures exceeded 46C (114.8F), making many of the rituals performed outdoors and on foot challenging, especially for the elderly.

Last week, the head of the Saudi National Meteorology Centre, Ayman Ghulam, warned of an expected climate change for hajj.

“The expected climate for Hajj this year will witness an increase in average temperatures of 1.5 to 2 degrees [Celsius] above normal in Mecca and Medina,” Mr Ghulam said.

By Wednesday, the pilgrimage would come to an end.

Saudi officials said they had set up many climate-controlled areas as part of heat mitigation measures. They distributed water and advised pilgrims on how to protect themselves from the sun.

The Saudi health ministry also issued an advisory, asking pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the hottest hours of the day.

Last year, at least 240 people died.

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