Hajj Pilgrims Battle Extreme Heat in Mecca with Cooling Measures
Over a million Muslim pilgrims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, are enduring extreme temperatures reaching 47°C (116°F) during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi authorities have deployed massive air conditioning systems, mist fans, cooled flooring, and free water distribution to mitigate heat risks. Despite these efforts, 144 heatstroke cases have been treated, with over 50,000 healthcare staff and 3,000 ambulances on standby. The event echoes 2024’s deadly Hajj, which saw over 1,300 heat-related deaths. Pilgrims from cooler climates describe the heat as brutal, relying on ice cream, umbrellas, and air-conditioned shelters.
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Hajj pilgrims brave sweltering Mecca heat with ice cream and giant fans
As millions of Muslims gather in Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, extreme heat with temperatures reaching 47°C (116°F) poses serious health risks. Pilgrims like Inas Gamal from Egypt have abandoned plans to pray outdoors at the Grand Mosque, retreating instead to air-conditioned hotel rooms. Saudi authorities have deployed one of the world's most powerful air conditioning systems, giant mist fans, cooled flooring, and free water distribution to mitigate the heat. Despite these measures, 144 cases of heatstroke have already been treated by over 50,000 healthcare staff and 3,000 ambulances on standby. The article highlights the contrast with 2024, when more than 1,300 pilgrims died from heat-related causes. Pilgrims are advised to drink water, use umbrellas, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
The Times of IsraelWith ice cream and giant fans, haj pilgrims battle searing heat in Saudi Arabia
As the annual haj pilgrimage begins in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, pilgrims are facing extreme heat with daytime temperatures forecast between 42°C and 47°C. Many, like Egyptian first-time pilgrim Inas Gamal, have abandoned outdoor prayers at the Grand Mosque for air-conditioned hotel rooms. Saudi authorities have deployed one of the world's most powerful air-conditioning systems, giant fans, mist sprayers, cooled flooring, and free water trucks to mitigate the heat. Despite these measures, the Health Ministry reported 144 heatstroke cases already treated. In 2024, over 1,300 pilgrims died from heat-related causes. More than 50,000 healthcare staff and 3,000 ambulances are on standby. Pilgrims are advised to drink water, use umbrellas, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
The Straits Times World NewsHajj pilgrims battle extreme heat with ice cream, fans, and air conditioning
As temperatures in Mecca soar above 40°C (104°F) and are forecast to reach 47°C during the Hajj pilgrimage, many pilgrims are struggling to cope with the extreme heat. Egyptian pilgrim Inas Gamal abandoned plans to pray at the Grand Mosque during the day, retreating to her air-conditioned hotel room. Saudi authorities have deployed giant fans, mist sprayers, cooled flooring, and one of the world's most powerful air conditioning systems to protect worshippers. Ice cream stands are crowded, and pilgrims seek shade wherever possible. Over 50,000 healthcare staff and 3,000 ambulances are on standby; 144 people have already been treated for heatstroke. The article notes that in 2024, more than 1,300 pilgrims died during Hajj due to temperatures exceeding 50°C.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastHajj pilgrims battle extreme heat with ice cream, fans, and air conditioning
As the annual hajj pilgrimage begins in Mecca, pilgrims are struggling with extreme temperatures reaching 47°C (116°F). Egyptian pilgrim Inas Gamal abandoned plans to pray at the Grand Mosque during the day, retreating to an air-conditioned hotel. Saudi authorities have deployed massive air conditioning systems, mist fans, cooled flooring, and free water distribution to protect worshippers. Over 50,000 healthcare staff and 3,000 ambulances are on standby; 144 heatstroke cases have already been treated. The 2024 hajj saw over 1,300 deaths due to heat. Pilgrims from cooler climates, like Algeria and Britain, described the heat as brutal, relying on water, mineral drinks, and umbrellas. The climax at Mount Arafat on Tuesday offers little shade, raising further health concerns.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesHajj pilgrims battle extreme heat in Mecca with ice cream and giant fans
More than a million Muslim pilgrims gathered in Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, facing extreme temperatures between 42 and 47 degrees Celsius. Many attendees have suffered heatstroke, fainting, and cardiac arrest. Pilgrims from cooler regions, like Egypt and Algeria, described the heat as more intense than expected. Saudi authorities deployed one of the world's most powerful air conditioning systems, giant fans, mist sprayers, cooled flooring, and free ice water trucks to mitigate the heat. Ice cream stands were mobbed, and many pilgrims sought shelter in air-conditioned rooms or shaded galleries. Over 50,000 healthcare staff and 3,000 ambulances are on standby. In 2024, more than 1,300 pilgrims died from heat-related causes during the Hajj.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlines