Sweltering Heat, but Hajj Pilgrims Prepared as Journey Begins Tomorrow in Mecca
Saudi Arabia commences Muslim Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca on Wednesday.
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Over a million devout Muslims will embark on the Muslim pilgrimage, Hajj, in the scorching heat of Mecca starting tomorrow. This spiritual journey forms one of the five pillars of Islam, and every capable, healthy Muslim is encouraged to partake, ideally, at least once in their lifetime.
The pilgrimage involves circumambulating the Kaaba, a cube-like structure at the heart of the Grand Mosque, and performing a series of religious rites. After the 2024 Hajj tragedy that claimed over 1300 lives due to soaring temperatures surpassing 51 degrees Celsius, Saudi authorities vow to restore the pilgrims' safety this year.
In anticipation, thousands of medical professionals stand ready, hundreds of water misting systems have been established, and numerous shaded areas have been constructed. Moreover, advanced AI technology aids in monitoring and managing the colossal masses of participants [Source: ntv.de, AFP].
For starters, stringent entries and crowd control regulations enforce manageable numbers of pilgrims, help curb overcrowding, and mitigate heat-associated incidents. To combat the heat, extensive cooling strategies are deployed, providing ample shaded areas, water stations, and cool zones, minimizing the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion. On-site medical facilities are strengthened to timely respond to heat-related emergencies. Pilgrims are also encouraged to recognize and counteract symptoms of dehydration and sunburn [1].
Vaccinations are mandatory for the pilgrimage, targeting infectious diseases like meningococcal [2]. Educational campaigns are conducted to illuminate pilgrims about potential heat risks and stressing the significance of staying hydrated and shielded from the sun [3].
Additional measures taken this year include intensified surveillance and enforcement against unauthorized pilgrims, increased use of drones for crowd monitoring, and significantly heightened cooling measures such as the implementation of cooling systems and distribution of cold packs to travelers [4].
[1] Enrichment Data: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/hajj-pilgrimage-health–islamic-pilgrimage[2] Enrichment Data: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/travelers/islamic-pilgrimage/index.html[3] Enrichment Data: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/hajj/faq-20057797[4] Enrichment Data: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/14/saudi-arabia-deploys-technology-and-planning-for-hajj-pilgrims
Many pilgrims, following lifestyle adjustments and travel preparations, are ready to begin the Muslim pilgrimage, Hajj, tomorrow in Mecca. To ensure safety and reduce heat-related incidents, precautions include thousands of medical professionals on-standby, numerous cooling strategies, enhanced medical facilities, mandated vaccinations, and educational campaigns.
