Heatstroke Horror At Hajj: Urgent Concerns After Multiple Deaths Reported In Saudi

Reading Time: 2 minutes

At least 19 pilgrims perished due to intense heat during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, with temperatures forecast to remain dangerously high.

During this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, a tragic toll of at least 19 pilgrims, predominantly from Jordan and Iran, succumbed to extreme temperatures. The Jordanian foreign ministry reported these deaths were due to severe heat, with an additional 17 individuals unaccounted for.

Authorities noted that five Iranian pilgrims also perished in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, though the exact causes of their deaths remain unspecified. As of now, Saudi Arabian officials have not released any details concerning these incidents.

Recent updates on June 16 revealed that six fatalities occurred due to heatstroke amid the pilgrimage. Jordanian officials are coordinating with Saudi authorities regarding the burial processes and the potential repatriation of the deceased.

This week, temperatures soared above 46 degrees Celsius, posing significant challenges for the pilgrims, particularly the elderly, as many of the Hajj rituals require being outdoors and walking considerable distances. According to AccuWeather, this harsh heatwave is expected to persist throughout the Hajj, with temperatures peaking at 47 degrees Celsius on June 17, and slightly cooling to 43 degrees by June 19.

Forecasts for this Hajj season predict average temperatures in Mecca and Medina to be 1.5 to 2 degrees higher than usual, with minimal chances of rain and an average high temperature around 44 degrees Celsius. Officials from the National Meteorology Centre had earlier indicated that temperatures during the pilgrimage could reach an average high of 48ºC, underscoring an unprecedented heat challenge.

Hajj, which attracts over 1.8 million participants this year, is among the largest global religious gatherings. While the pilgrimage has seen its share of calamities, including stampedes and fires, the predominant issue in most years is the relentless heat.

The annual spiritual journey commenced on June 14, with numerous Muslim pilgrims converging on Mecca, retracing the steps of the Prophet Muhammad in their quest for spiritual fulfillment.

In a broader climatic perspective, AccuWeather’s recent analysis suggests that global temperatures could significantly increase from 2030 to 2100, exceeding current climate model predictions. Certain regions, particularly in India, may face average temperature increases of 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next three to four decades. This would exacerbate already critical conditions, as temperatures in some areas have recently surpassed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The post Heatstroke Horror At Hajj: Urgent Concerns After Multiple Deaths Reported In Saudi appeared first on Travel And Tour World.