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Saudi Arabia: 19 Hajj pilgrims die as temperatures rise

Over 1.8 million pilgrims have gathered in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the Hajj pilgrimage amidst soaring temperatures. As the "stoning of the devil" ritual and Eid al-Adha celebrations commence, extreme heat has led to the deaths of 14 Jordanian and 5 Iranian pilgrims from heatstroke.

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Aqsa Younas Rana
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Hajj

14 Jordanian and 5 Iranian pilgrims died from heatstroke.

More than 1.8 million people have gathered in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the Hajj pilgrimage. As temperatures continue to rise, pilgrims are preparing for the last major ritual, the "stoning of the devil," coinciding with the celebration of Eid al-Adha. However, the intense heat has proven fatal for some.

According to Jordan's Foreign Ministry, at least 14 Jordanian pilgrims have died from heatstroke. The Iranian Red Crescent has also reported that five Iranian pilgrims have lost their lives in Mecca and Medina during this year's Hajj, though details on the causes have not been provided.

Why This Matters: The deaths have occurred as pilgrims engage in the symbolic "stoning of the devil" ritual in western Saudi Arabia. This ritual, a significant part of the Hajj pilgrimage, is conducted outdoors and on foot, posing serious challenges, especially under the extreme heat.

Temperatures have soared past 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and were predicted to reach 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday. The Hajj, taking place during the Saudi Arabian summer, exposes pilgrims to these harsh conditions. Jordan's Foreign Ministry confirmed that their citizens succumbed to sunstroke due to the extreme heat wave.

In response to the sweltering conditions, Saudi Arabia has implemented several measures to protect pilgrims. Climate-controlled areas have been set up, and officials are distributing water and advising pilgrims on sun protection. Military medical units specializing in heatstroke treatment have been deployed, and rapid response teams are on standby. Despite these efforts, more than 10,000 heat-related illnesses were recorded during last year's pilgrimage.

The Hajj pilgrimage, a central tenet of Islam, requires participants to conduct many of its rituals outdoors and on foot. These conditions make it particularly challenging for older pilgrims and those unaccustomed to the extreme heat. The Saudi authorities continue to work on improving safety measures, but the sheer scale of the event and the harsh climate remain significant challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 1.8 million pilgrims gathered for Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
  • Extreme heat leads to the deaths of 14 Jordanian and 5 Iranian pilgrims.
  • "Stoning of the devil" ritual coincides with Eid al-Adha celebrations.
  • Temperatures reached 47 degrees Celsius, causing severe heatstroke.
  • Saudi Arabia deploys measures to protect pilgrims from extreme heat.

SaudiArabia Hajj