ISLAMABAD: As millions of Muslim pilgrims gather in Saudi Arabia for the annual Haj pilgrimage, authorities are gearing up for a possible surge in heat-related emergencies due to scorching summer temperatures.
This year’s Haj is unfolding under challenging conditions, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius, raising concerns about the health and safety of pilgrims.
Preparing for Extreme Heat and Medical Emergencies
The Mina Emergency Hospital, one of 15 temporary medical facilities set up for the pilgrimage, is fully staffed and ready to handle an influx of heat exhaustion cases. Saudi health officials are particularly focused on preventing a repeat of last year’s tragic heatwave that claimed over 1,300 lives.
Abdullah Asiri, Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister for population health, emphasized that preparations aim to manage the “worst case scenario” as pilgrims descend on Mina, a sprawling tent city outside Makkah. So far, 44 cases of heat exhaustion have already been reported, and healthcare capacity has been increased by over 60 percent compared to the previous year.
A total of 50,000 healthcare and administrative personnel have been mobilized, with more than 700 hospital beds equipped to treat severe heat-related illnesses.
Coping Strategies and Pilgrims’ Resilience
Despite the sweltering heat, pilgrims continue to perform their religious duties with determination. Some carry umbrellas or wear caps, while others, like 70-year-old Palestinian farmer Rabah Mansour, brave the sun unshielded, saying heat does not bother him after a lifetime of outdoor work.
The Haj Minister, Tawfiq al-Rabiah, shared that thousands of misting fans, water cooling units, and cooled walkways, including a new four-kilometer path to Mount Arafat, have been installed to help pilgrims stay cool. Officials also urge pilgrims to stay in shaded areas and avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun, especially during the intense rituals at Arafat, where climbing the mountain is not obligatory and can pose health risks.
The Saudi authorities’ proactive measures highlight the challenge of balancing spiritual commitment with health and safety amid record-breaking temperatures.
