Reported 8 months ago
At Mecca, the Islamic holy city, temperatures soared above 50°C causing the deaths of at least 500 pilgrims from around the world due to heat-related conditions. Among the deceased, over 300 were from Egypt and most succumbed to heatstroke. Despite measures by Saudi Arabia to provide cooling facilities, the extreme heat posed a serious threat to the 1.8 million Muslims undertaking the pilgrimage this year. The yearly pilgrimage has become increasingly challenging due to climate change impacting the region's temperatures, making completion of the pilgrimage more difficult for worshippers. Last year, 240 pilgrims died during the pilgrimage. Traditional rituals during the pilgrimage, such as outdoor prayers, have prolonged exposure to the extreme sun, exacerbating the health risks faced by the worshippers.
Source: YAHOO