Haj Yatra 2024: A large number of Hajj pilgrims (Haj Yatra) have arrived from Saudi Arabia amidst Eid-ul-Azha or Bakrid festival. Meanwhile, due to the severe heat in Saudi, especially the elderly are facing a lot of problems. 19 Hajj pilgrims, who were from Jordan and Iran, died in Mecca due to heat. Officials of both the countries confirmed these deaths and said that these people died due to rising temperatures.
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19 people from Jordan and Iran died
Jordan’s foreign ministry said in a statement: “14 Jordanian pilgrims died during the Hajj while 17 others are missing.” Pirhossein Koulivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent, said: “So far five Iranian pilgrims have lost their lives during this year’s Hajj in Mecca and Medina.”
According to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics, this year around 1.8 million Muslims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage. This year, scorching heat is expected during the five-day Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The temperature in Mecca has reached 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit).
Heat caused trouble in Mecca
All measures are being taken to avoid the heat in Mecca so that the pilgrims feel comfortable. Along with distributing water at various places, advice is being given repeatedly on how to protect oneself from the sun. According to an AFP report, a Saudi official said that last year more than 10,000 heat-related diseases were registered in his country, of which 10 percent were heat strokes.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday (June 16) that they were making preparations to bury the bodies of the deceased or send them back home according to the wishes of their families.
Saudi Arabia Implements Heat Safety Measures Amid Haj Concerns
Saudi Arabia has not provided any information on the deaths. However, the kingdom has implemented measures to combat the heat, including climate-controlled areas, distributing water and advising pilgrims to protect themselves from the sun.
World’s largest religious gathering
The haj is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. It is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and all Muslims must perform it at least once. Temperatures have soared above 40 degrees Celsius during the annual pilgrimage, which is being attended by about 1.8 million Muslims this year. Many rituals are performed outdoors and on foot, creating challenges, especially among the elderly.
