Saudi Arabia issues severe heat advisory for final Hajj days
During the recent Hajj in Saudi Arabia, at least 14 pilgrims have tragically lost their lives due to the scorching heat. The Saudi Arabian Meteorological Authority stated that the Grand Mosque in Mecca reached an astounding 51.8 degrees Celsius. In light of this extreme heat, the Health Ministry urged pilgrims to avoid sun exposure.
Pilgrims were also advised to stay hydrated, use sun protection as much as possible, and only go outside during emergencies. On Sundays alone, Saudi Arabian authorities reported over 2700 cases of heat exhaustion.
Many of the Hajj rituals, such as circling the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, take place under the open sky. With the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina being a significant part of the pilgrimage, taking place during the Saudi Arabian summer, the pilgrimage presents a significant challenge. Many pilgrims had to rest by the roadside due to the intense heat.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that 14 pilgrims had passed away from sunstroke. 17 Jordanian pilgrims were also reported missing.
Iran announced that 5 pilgrims had perished without providing a cause, while 3 pilgrims from Senegal also lost their lives, as reported by the Senegalese Foreign Ministry.
As the week progresses, the Hajj is approaching its conclusion. Officially, 1.8 million pilgrims participated in this year's Hajj, with 1.6 million being female or foreign pilgrims.
The Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a religious duty for every physically capable Muslim who can afford it to participate in this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
