Fourteen Jordanian pilgrims perish during the Holy Journey to Mecca
Severe heat has been ravaging Mekka and its surroundings since the commencement of this year's Hajj festival, leading to numerous health emergencies. Jordan's Foreign Ministry has reported 14 of its citizens among the victims. The cause of the heatwave has been identified.
During this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at least 14 Jordanians have perished amidst a heatwave. Another 17 are still missing, according to the Jordanian Foreign Ministry. Six of the deceased were heatstroke victims. The Saudi Health Ministry had earlier issued a heat warning and advised pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours. On Monday, temperatures up to 47 degrees Celsius are predicted for Mecca.
The Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj is one of the most significant mass events globally. Saudi Arabian reports indicate over 1.8 million pilgrims expected this year. Historically, hundreds of fatalities have occurred during this event due to accidents, tent fires, heat, and other factors. In 2015 alone, over 2000 pilgrims lost their lives in a stampede near Mecca during the Hajj.
A particularly toasty month - and much toastier
The Hajj occurs every year in the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, causing the event to shift by a few days according to the Gregorian (Solar) calendar. This year, the Pilgrimage is taking place in the month of June, a time known for its intense heat in Saudi Arabia. To add to that, Saudi Arabia had predicted higher-than-usual temperatures at the beginning of the Hajj.
The heat has been relentless in Mekka since the beginning of this year's Hajj pilgrimage last Friday. Temperatures in the region spiked to 46 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while pilgrims spent hours at Mount Arafat in prayer. According to the state news agency SPA, 255 individuals sought medical attention for heat-related issues at a medical facility. The actual number of people suffering from heatstroke might be higher. Last year, as per official reports, over 10,000 people were treated, with ten percent of them being heatstroke victims.
Hadj visitor Rohy Daiseca from Gambia described the punishing heat of this year as," Very, very hot." He continued, "I doused myself with a lot of water, that's how I made it through."
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Despite the International community's concern and efforts to mitigate misfortunes during the Hajj, a heatwave continues to pose threats to Muslims undertaking the holy journey to Mecca. This year's heatwave has claimed the lives of 14 Jordanian pilgrims, with temperatures predicted to reach up to 47 degrees Celsius on Monday.
