US & GLOBAL: In Saudi Arabia, 1300 casualties have been reported as the scores of Saudi residents make their pilgrimage to Mecca. The Saudi Arabian government has stated that there have been measures taken to respond to the extremely high temperatures that are common to the summer months in Saudi Arabia
By Anne M Erbynstein
During this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, more than 1,300 people tragically lost their lives due to extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom. The fatalities primarily affected unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in soaring temperatures to perform the Hajj rituals in and around the holy city of Mecca.
In response to these conditions, the Saudi Arabian government has taken several measures that include taking steps in Climate-Controlled Areas:, Saudi Arabia established these areas to provide relief from the intense heat during the pilgrimage.
Water Distribution and Sun Protection: Officials have been distributing water to pilgrims and advising them to protect themselves from the sun.
Medical Units and Rapid Response Teams have been posted by the Saudi Arabian army which deployed over 1,600 personnel equipped with medical units specifically trained to handle heatstroke.
Adding a measure of safety to the presence of medical units the Saudi Arabian army has , also, ensured that 30 rapid response teams were strategically placed to address emergencies related to extreme temperatures
Today, as the pilgrimage continues and many arrive at Mecca, the loss of life remains a tragic outcome, and authorities continue to work on improving safety measures for future pilgrimages.
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