Home News Heat Wave Claims Lives Of 19 Hajj Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia
NewsWorld

Heat Wave Claims Lives Of 19 Hajj Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

509
Saudi Arabia Pilgrims
Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia [Credit: BBC]

An intense heat wave has tragically claimed the lives of at least 14 Jordanian and 5 Iranian pilgrims during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia. The Jordanian foreign ministry confirmed that these deaths were due to “sunstroke from the extreme heat wave.” Additionally, 17 Jordanians have been reported missing, with searches ongoing.

The Iranian Red Crescent also reported the deaths of five Iranian pilgrims, though the specific causes were not disclosed.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. This year’s Hajj, which has drawn over 1.8 million participants, has faced extreme temperatures exceeding 46°C (114.8°F). This has posed significant challenges for the pilgrims, particularly for aged individuals. Despite the Saudi authorities’ efforts to mitigate the heat with climate-controlled areas, water distribution, and advisories on staying hydrated and avoiding the sun during peak hours, the severe heat has proven deadly.

The head of the Saudi National Meteorology Centre, Ayman Ghulam, had earlier warned of an anticipated rise in average temperatures by 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius in Mecca and Medina during the Hajj period.

Hajj has a record of deadly incidents, including stampedes and fires, but heat remains a persistent danger. In 2023, at least 240 people died. The pilgrimage is set to conclude on Wednesday.

Read more: Landslide Triggered By Heavy Rains Kills Six in Ecuador

About The Author

Related Articles

In a ministerial meeting of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) held in Bamako on January 16, 2025, key decisions emerging from the session include establishing a Regional Investment Bank and launching transformative infrastructure projects across member states.
News

Niamey Hosts Second Meeting Of Justice Ministers of CSS, Discussions Focus on Judicial Reforms and Regional Integration

Niamey on Monday played host to the second meeting of justice ministers...

News

Former Niger Minister Ibrahim Yacoubou Questioned Over Alleged Human Sacrifice Case

The Attorney General at the Niamey Court of Appeal has confirmed that...

Amusan
News

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan Wins Silver In 100m Hurdles At World Championships

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan has clinched the silver medal in the women’s 100m...

News

Burkina Faso Cuts Four Public Holidays to Boost State Revenues

Burkina Faso’s Council of Ministers has approved a new bill that eliminates...