Millions of Muslim pilgrims gathered in Saudi Arabia for the hajj pilgrimage, braving scorching temperatures that reached 48C (118F). The extreme heat caused over 2,000 people to suffer heat stress, with many elderly pilgrims affected. Saudi officials recorded 1,700 heat stress cases on Thursday alone, in addition to the 287 reported earlier. While authorities did not specify the number of deaths, various countries reported a total of 230 deaths among their pilgrims. Indonesia, the largest Muslim country, accounted for the majority of these deaths, although officials attributed them to underlying health conditions rather than heatstroke.
The heatwave presented a significant challenge for the hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage that draws millions of worshippers to the holy sites in the Saudi desert. This year’s hajj marked the largest gathering since 2019, with over 1.8 million participants, as the previous age limit imposed due to COVID-19 concerns was lifted. Despite the risks posed by the scorching temperatures, worshippers were determined to carry out the main rituals of the hajj, which involve spending days outdoors in prayer and reflection.
Saudi health officials urged pilgrims to take precautions to prevent heat stress. They advised individuals to avoid direct sunlight and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. However, the number of heat stress cases reported is likely underestimated, as many affected individuals did not seek medical attention at hospitals or clinics.
Heat stress encompasses various conditions such as heatstroke, exhaustion, cramps, and rashes, all of which can have serious health implications, particularly among vulnerable individuals. As the temperatures soared, overheating phones became a common occurrence, and finding shade became a challenge. Despite the risks posed by the extreme weather conditions, the hajj has historically faced other deadly incidents such as crowd crushes and militant attacks.
To mitigate the risks, Saudi Arabia deployed thousands of paramedics and established field hospitals to provide immediate medical assistance. However, the Gulf climate remains inhospitable, prompting the United Nations’ intergovernmental panel on climate change to warn that parts of the region may become uninhabitable due to global warming by the end of the century.
While heat stress presented a significant challenge during this year’s hajj pilgrimage, it is important to note that the causes of death among the pilgrims were primarily attributed to underlying health issues rather than heat-related complications. The hajj continues to be a deeply revered and cherished religious event for Muslims worldwide, and efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of participants remain a priority.
