Since the beginning of the conflict, the Security Council has struggled to speak with one voice, as the United States used its veto power several times
world3 days ago
Saudi Arabia said Sunday that more than 1,300 faithful died during the Haj pilgrimage which took place during intense heat, and that most of the deceased did not have official permits.
"Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached 1,301, with 83 per cent being unauthorised to perform Haj and having walked long distances under direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort," the official Saudi Press Agency reported.
The pilgrims were exposed to heat for long periods of time without adequate shelter or rest. Temperatures in Makkah this year climbed as high as 51.8℃, according to Saudi Arabia's national meteorological centre.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
The dead came from more than 10 countries stretching from the United States to Indonesia, and some governments are continuing to update their totals.
The Saudi health ministry had issued advisories during the Haj season, warning of soaring temperatures and advising pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours. Last year, the pilgrimage saw thousands of cases of heat stress.
Saudi Arabia implemented heat mitigation measures, including climate-controlled areas. Water was distributed and pilgrims were advised on protecting themselves from the sun.
The Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam that all Muslims with the means must complete at least once in their lives.
Saudi officials have said 1.8 million pilgrims took part this year, a similar number to last year, and that 1.6 million came from abroad.
For the past several years the mainly outdoor rituals have fallen during the sweltering Saudi summer.
The timing of the Haj moves forward about 11 days each year in the Gregorian calendar, meaning that next year it will take place earlier in June, potentially in cooler conditions.
A 2019 study by the journal Geophysical Research Letters said because of climate change, heat stress for Haj pilgrims will exceed the "extreme danger threshold" from 2047 to 2052 and 2079 to 2086, "with increasing frequency and intensity as the century progresses".
(With inputs from AFP, Reuters)
ALSO READ:
Since the beginning of the conflict, the Security Council has struggled to speak with one voice, as the United States used its veto power several times
world3 days ago
Super Heavy unexpectedly splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico instead of returning to land
world4 days ago
The 19-year-old dreamt of competing abroad, and said she wanted to be like Ronaldo and Messi
world4 days ago
Hochstein's mission marks a last-ditch attempt by the outgoing US administration to clinch a ceasefire as diplomacy to end the Gaza war appears totally adrift
world4 days ago
This will be his first visit since the beginning of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia around three years ago
world5 days ago
The changes state that any conventional attack on Russia, aided by a nuclear power, could be considered to be a joint attack
world5 days ago
The country launched a probe in March 2021 into WhatsApp's privacy policy, which allowed data sharing with Facebook and its units, sparking global backlash
world5 days ago
This time around, Trump wants the Senate to give up that gatekeeping role and allow him to make 'recess appointments'
world6 days ago