Dozens of people have died from scorching heat during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca, state media in the Middle East and Africa reported.
Temperatures are forecast to exceed 113 degrees Fahrenheit, or 45 degrees Celsius, on Tuesday, Saudi officials said. warning Pilgrims are urged to stay hydrated. Minimize outdoor activitiesAnd bring a parasol to block direct sunlight.
While no deaths have been reported in Saudi Arabia, news reports from several countries hosting pilgrims say the heat has caused deaths.
Jordan’s Sunday Official news agencyyes explain Fourteen pilgrims died from exposure and heat. On Wednesday, the agency said it had issued burial permits for 41 Jordanian pilgrims in Mecca, but did not provide details on the causes of death.
The Tunisian Foreign Ministry said at least 35 Tunisians were killed. Tunisia Africa News Agency It reported on Tuesday that the “temperature rose sharply” and the “sun was scorching” during the Hajj.
Three pilgrims from Senegal were also reported dead A statement The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not specify the cause of death. explain Consulate staff in Saudi Arabia have been working “around the clock” to assist with the burial and search for missing Egyptian pilgrims, but did not disclose how many.
Saudi ministries did not immediately respond to questions about the reports of the death.
Muslims travel from all over the world to Mecca every year for the five-day pilgrimage, which ends on Wednesday. The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be performed at least once in a lifetime by all Muslims who can financially and physically afford it.
More than 1.8 million people made the pilgrimage this year. According to data from the Saudi General Statistics Authority — 1.6 million of them are from abroad.
Many pilgrims, often older, also experience heat stress. Last few yearsmany people died from heat stroke.
Saudi officials on Tuesday called this year’s Hajj season a “success.” National media coverage Health Minister Fahd Jarajal said, “We are particularly pleased that despite the large number of pilgrims and the challenges posed by the high temperatures, there have been no outbreaks or other public health threats.”
The authorities also cited “Advanced Cooling System” and a “continuous” water supply for pilgrims to ensure “Ensure that everyone’s Hajj is smooth and safe.”
Wahda Saad Contributed reporting.
