As Muslim pilgrims complete the hajj under intense temperatures, Saudi Arabia issued a heat warning on Monday for Mecca.
News About Nigeria reports that the health ministry recorded over 2,700 cases of ‘heat exhaustion’ on Sunday alone.
Temperatures in Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, and nearby Mina were forecasted to reach up to 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday.
Pilgrims in Mecca circled the Kaaba, while others in Mina participated in the ritual of “stoning the devil” by throwing stones at three concrete walls, the final major step of the hajj.
This year’s hajj, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, coincided with the peak of the Saudi summer.
The hajj, a mandatory religious duty for all Muslims with the means to perform it at least once in their lifetime, saw around 1.8 million pilgrims this year, with 1.6 million coming from abroad.
“The holy sites today record the highest temperatures since the beginning of hajj… with a degree that may reach 49 degrees Celsius. We advise the guests of God not to be exposed to the sun,” the health ministry warned through the state-affiliated Al-Ekhbariya channel.
The Saudi health ministry noted 2,764 cases of heat exhaustion on Sunday, attributing them to sun exposure and failure to follow guidelines, which include seeking shelter during the hottest parts of the day.
“Prevention is the most important, and the commitment of pilgrims not to go out at peak times except when necessary, or to use an umbrella, would reduce the incidence of heat exhaustion,” the health ministry stated.
They stressed the importance of carrying an umbrella, drinking water regularly, and avoiding direct sun exposure in the coming days.
Jordan’s foreign ministry reported that 14 Jordanian pilgrims died from sunstroke due to the extreme heat, with 17 others missing.
Iran reported five deaths without specifying the cause, while Senegal’s foreign ministry confirmed three deaths.
