Mina: As temperatures soared in Saudi Arabia, at least 14 Jordanian pilgrims died during the hajj pilgrimage. Jordan’s foreign ministry said, “14 Jordanian pilgrims died and 17 others were missing” during the performance of hajj rituals.
It said its nationals had died “after suffering sun stroke due to the extreme heatwave”. The ministry stated it was coordinating with Saudi authorities to either bury the deceased in Saudi Arabia or transfer them to Jordan.
The Iranian Red Crescent chief, Pir Hossein Kolivand, said “five Iranian pilgrims have lost their lives so far in Mecca and Medina during the hajj this year”, though the causes of death were not disclosed.
Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, a spokesperson for the Saudi health ministry, informed reporters that over 2,760 pilgrims suffered from sunstroke and heat stress on Sunday alone. However, Saudi Arabia has not provided any information on fatalities.
The temperature in Mecca reached 47C (116.6F) on Sunday and was forecast to remain high on Monday. To mitigate the heat, the kingdom has implemented measures such as climate-controlled areas, water distribution, and advice for pilgrims on sun protection.
This year’s hajj, which will conclude on Wednesday, is one of the largest mass gatherings globally, with over 1.8 million Muslim pilgrims expected, according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics. The event has historically seen fatalities due to stampedes, tent fires, heat, and other factors over the past 30 years.
Many hajj rituals are performed outdoors and on foot, posing significant challenges, particularly for elderly pilgrims. Temperatures during the pilgrimage have exceeded 40C. The Saudi health ministry issued an advisory on Thursday, warning of high temperatures and advising pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, between 11am and 3pm.
During last year’s hajj at least 240 people – many from Indonesia – died, according to figures announced by various countries which also did not specify causes of death. More than 2,000 people suffered heat stress during the festival.
More than 10,000 heat-related illnesses were recorded last year, 10% of them heatstroke, said a Saudi official.
14 Jordanian Pilgrims Die Amid ‘Extreme Heatwave’ During Hajj in Saudi Arabia world-news World News | Latest International Global World News | Todays Breaking News Headlines
