Saudi Arabia seeks to prevent heat deaths as Hajj pilgrimage begins
Summary
Saudi Arabia is taking measures to prevent heat-related deaths as over 1.4 million Muslims begin the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. Authorities have implemented safety actions like planting trees and installing cooling units, and they have restricted entry for those without official permits to reduce risk.Key Facts
- Over 1.4 million Muslims have started the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
- Saudi Arabia has increased safety measures due to high temperatures, which are expected to reach 44C (111F).
- Thousands of trees have been planted, and hundreds of cooling units have been installed.
- Children under 12 are not allowed on the pilgrimage, and unregistered pilgrims may face fines and entry bans.
- Officials stopped more than 269,000 people from entering Mecca without permits.
- Many pilgrims who died last year were unregistered and lacked access to proper cooling facilities.
- The Hajj is a religious duty in Islam, requiring Muslims to make the journey at least once if they can afford it and are healthy.
- Saudi authorities have expanded shaded areas and introduced cooled roads to reduce heat stress.
- The cooling system at Mecca’s Grand Mosque is reportedly the largest in the world.
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