Dozens of people died from the intense heat that enveloped Mecca during the Hajj pilgrimage
According to reports from official media in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, dozens of people have died amid scorching temperatures during the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
With forecasts calling for temperatures to reach 113 degrees Fahrenheit, or 45 degrees Celsius, on Tuesday, Saudi officials advice issued to pilgrims urging them to drink enough water, Minimize outdoor activitiesand bring an umbrella to block direct sunlight.
While Saudi Arabia has not reported the number of deaths, news reports from several countries with pilgrims attending the Hajj suggest that the heat has been deadly.
On Sunday, Jordan’s official news agencyy speak that 14 pilgrims died from extreme heat. On Wednesday, the agency said burial permits had been issued for 41 Jordanian pilgrims in Mecca, but did not provide details on the cause of death.
The Tunisian Foreign Ministry said at least 35 Tunisians were killed. The state-run Agence Tunis Afrique press agency reported on Tuesday, noting the “sharp rise in temperature” and “scorching sun” that accompanied the hajj.
Russian state news agency TASS reported the deaths of four citizens from “natural causes related to health and age.” Three pilgrims from Senegal also died statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of this country without stating the cause of death.
And the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs speak Consulate staff in Saudi Arabia are working “around the clock” to help facilitate the burial and search for missing Egyptian pilgrims, without giving a figure.
Saudi ministries did not immediately respond to questions about the death toll report.
Muslims from around the world come to Mecca each year to make the five-day pilgrimage, which ends on Wednesday. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam – and all Muslims who are financially and physically able are required to perform the ritual at least once in their lives.
The The first hajj took place in 632. The pilgrimage is now one of the largest gatherings of Muslims in the world. Over the years, it has suffered many natural disasters, from stampedes and fires to disease outbreaks. A stampede on the bridge in 2006 resulted in death more than 300 people and another in 2015 was killed more than 2,200 people.
Many pilgrims, often older people, have also experienced stress from the heat Lately yearwith many people dying from the heat.
On Tuesday, Saudi officials declared this year’s hajj season a “success.” state media reported which Health Minister Fahd al-Jalajel expressed “particular satisfaction with the fact that there have been no outbreaks or other public health threats despite the significant number of pilgrims and the challenges caused by high temperatures”.
Authorities also cited “advanced cooling system” and “continuous availability” of water for pilgrims to ensure “Smooth and safe hajj for everyone.”
Hwaida Saad Report contributions.
