Several Arab countries have reported deaths among their pilgrims due to sunburn, as medical and official authorities warn pilgrims of the dangers of high temperatures this year.
Jordan announced that “six of its pilgrims died during the performance of the Hajj rites due to sunburn,” the Jordanian Foreign Ministry said. These deaths concern pilgrims outside the official Jordanian mission. Local Jordanian media reported that the total number of deaths among Jordanian pilgrims stands at 17 people.
In Egypt, the number of deaths among pilgrims reached nine, according to the Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper. These deaths come from different provinces such as Gharbia, Dakahlia and North Sinai. Some of these deaths are attributed to exhaustion from high temperatures.
The consulate general of Morocco in Jeddah announced the death of five Moroccan pilgrims for various health reasons, a few days before the start of the 2024 Hajj. Among them, three cases were recorded in hotel rooms in Mecca due to chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes, while two other deaths were due to heat exhaustion.
In Tunisia, the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights reported the death of five Tunisian pilgrims yesterday, Saturday June 15, in Mecca. Three of them belonged to the same family, affected by the intense heat at Mount Arafat.
Record temperatures
Despite high temperatures in one of the hottest regions in the world, pilgrims performed the ritual at Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his farewell sermon.
Today, Sunday, pilgrims began traveling to Mina to throw stones at the Acquittal Stele and sacrifice animals, marking the first day of Eid al-Adha.
Total number of pilgrims
Saudi Arabia announced that the total number of pilgrims this year is 1,833,164, of which 1,611,310 came from more than 200 countries through different entry points, and 221,854 are Saudi citizens and residents. Among them, 958,137 men and 875,027 women.
Warnings and precautionary measures
Ahead of the start of this year’s Hajj, the Saudi Ministry of Health warned pilgrims of the risks of high surface temperatures at holy sites, which can reach 72 degrees Celsius in some mountainous areas.
The ministry advised pilgrims to constantly use umbrellas to avoid direct exposure to the sun, drink sufficient water throughout the day even without thirst, and follow all health instructions and advice. It is crucial to avoid going out and exposing yourself to the sun or walking on hot surfaces during peak hours.
These measures aim to prevent incidents of heatstroke and other heat-related complications, thereby ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims during this sacred period.
