July 31, 2024

Climate Change is Endangering the Hajj Piligrims

topic:	Climate Change
located:	Saudi Arabia
editor:	Hanan Zaffar

This year’s annual Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj in Saudi Arabia witnessed over a thousand deaths due to a harsh heatwave. At least 1,300 people on the pilgrimage lost their lives, with fatalities reported from countries including Egypt, India, Pakistan, and others. 1.8 million people across continents had gathered in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina for the pilgrimage.

In addition to the tragic casualties, numerous pilgrims suffered from heat strokes as temperatures soared to 51 degrees Celsius. This extreme heat was particularly challenging during the crucial ritual on the Day of Arafa and the subsequent day.

The Hajj pilgrimage necessitates performing various rituals in open spaces, where hundreds of thousands congregate. These large gatherings in vast open areas exacerbated the impact of the severe heatwave, making the conditions particularly dangerous for the pilgrims.

Studies have indicated that the Hajj pilgrimage will become increasingly hotter and more challenging in the coming years due to climate change.

A team of European scientists reported that the recent heatwave in Saudi Arabia was 2.5 degrees Celsius warmer than the warmest heatwaves previously recorded in the country. They noted that this heatwave was uncommon, primarily driven by human-induced climate change.

Though the main reason behind the death of pilgrims remained excessive heat, there were accusations of mismanagement and shortcomings on the side of the Saudi authorities.

There have been allegations of poor management, including inadequate water supply, lack of paramedics for heat stroke patients, and insufficient cooperation from the authorities.

According to a report in AFP, most of the people who died during Hajj were unregistered pilgrims who joined the Hajj through “irregular channels”, which left them without cooling facilities such as air-conditioned tents and buses.

Deaths are not uncommon during the Hajj season as pilgrims often succumb to various causes, including underlying illnesses, old age, road accidents, and heat strokes. However,

Though Saudi Arabia has not issued an official statement on the deaths, the country’s health ministry has attributed the high fatalities to pre-existing conditions and the vulnerable health of the pilgrims.

The Saudi government now faces a significant challenge in preparing for the upcoming Hajj next year and beyond. With the pilgrimage season set to occur in May and June, the peak of summer in Saudi Arabia, the conditions will likely be even more extreme.

As climate change intensifies, the conditions during Hajj are also expected to become increasingly harsh. This necessitates proactive planning and robust strategies to mitigate the impact of extreme heat. Ensuring adequate water supply, increasing the presence of medical personnel, and providing ample cooling stations will be critical in safeguarding the well-being of pilgrims.

Image by GLady.