MECCA AND THE SCORCHING HAJJ
Gathering of Hajj pilgrims in Mecca amidst the intense heat of the arid desert
Over a million Muslim faithful are descending upon the sacred city of Mecca for this year's hajj, with authorities promising a safer pilgrimage amid sweltering desert heat and a crackdown on unauthorized visitors.
Here's a lowdown on what's happening:
Heat-Related Precautions
Officials have ramped up heat mitigation efforts to avoid a repeat of last year's devastating hajj, where 1,301 pilgrims tragically lost their lives as temperatures neared 51.8 degrees Celsius. This week, temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius as the monumental religious gathering kicks off tomorrow.
Expanded Cooling Units and Shaded Areas
Saudi Arabia's Hajj Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah revealed that over 400 cooling units and misting stations have been installed at crucial ritual sites to combat the scorching heat. Additionally, shaded areas have been expanded by 50,000 square meters to provide much-needed relief from the sun.
Fortified Medical and Health Services
The health ministry has been busy setting up multilingual medical hotlines for swift medical assistance, while distributing heat illness awareness kits in multiple languages to help prevent and recognize symptoms of heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related afflictions. Thousands of extra medical professionals are stationed at ritual sites to ensure immediate medical attention is readily available.
Crowd Management and Regulative Measures
Pilgrims must present registration to enter Mecca, and violators face hefty fines and bans. Children under 12 years old are banned from participating due to health risks, and each pilgrim receives an official safety kit with advice on hydration, protection against the sun, and recognizing heat-related symptoms.
Pilgrim Guidance and Best Practices
Pilgrims are strongly advised to stay hydrated, wear sun protection like umbrellas, hats, and light, breathable clothing, and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
These comprehensive measures represent a synergy of technology, medical preparedness, crowd control, and education to protect pilgrims as they brave the soaring temperatures of the hajj. Increased efforts initiated following last year's incident demonstrate a focus on enhancing safety measures to accommodate rising temperatures and growing pilgrim numbers.
In light of the challenging desert heat, the Saudi Arabian authorities have installed over 400 cooling units and misting stations, and expanded shaded areas by 50,000 square meters to alleviate the heat during the hajj in Mecca. Additionally, the health ministry is distributing heat illness awareness kits in multiple languages to prevent and recognize heat-related afflictions such as heatstroke and dehydration.
