Fourteen Jordanian pilgrims have tragically died while performing rituals related to the hajj, and 17 others are currently missing, as reported by Jordan’s official news agency on Sunday.
The deaths were attributed to extreme heat exposure, with temperatures in Mecca reaching nearly 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme weather condition underscores the increasing health risks posed by climate change during the hajj pilgrimage.
The country’s Foreign Ministry reported that the pilgrims succumbed to heat stress, a severe condition exacerbated by the harsh desert climate of Mecca. On Saturday alone, the medical center for heat exhaustion treated 225 pilgrims for heat stress and fatigue.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of fatalities during the hajj. Previous pilgrimages have also seen deaths due to various causes, including stampedes.
The most notable recent disaster occurred in 2015, when a stampede resulted in over 700 deaths. In addition to stampedes, extreme heat has been a significant cause of fatalities, particularly affecting elderly pilgrims.
As one of the five pillars of Islam, the hajj pilgrimage involves numerous outdoor rituals, including praying outside the Great Mosque and spending a day in prayer at Mount Arafat. These activities often take place under intense sunlight, which poses significant health risks during summer months.
In response to these dangers, Saudi authorities have implemented several measures to mitigate heat stress among pilgrims.
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These include the use of water mist sprays to cool the air, distribution of water and umbrellas, and providing air-conditioned transportation. These interventions have been acknowledged by scientists as effective in reducing the number of heat-related health issues.
Despite these efforts, the increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions due to climate change poses a growing challenge to the safety of pilgrims.
This year’s tragic deaths highlight the urgent need for continued and enhanced measures to protect the health and safety of those undertaking this important religious journey.
