Jul 172 min read

Heat Wave Deaths at Hajj: Uncovering the Climate Crisis Impact

Introduction

Many unregistered pilgrims at the Hajj faced extreme heat without access to cooling facilities, leading to multiple deaths.
Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel reported 1,301 deaths, 83% of whom were unregistered pilgrims.

Temperatures in Mecca during the Hajj reached over 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
Saudi Arabia has experienced a warming rate 50% higher than the rest of the Northern Hemisphere.
Studies predict that heat stress during the Hajj will reach "extreme danger thresholds" between 2047-2052 and 2079-2086.

Unregistered pilgrims often lack access to air-conditioned tents and cooling centers.
Many unregistered pilgrims, from lower-income countries, were misled by unlicensed travel operators.
Incidents of pilgrims collapsing and dying due to heat were reported.
Authorities denied unregistered pilgrims access to cooling facilities, and some pilgrims were afraid to seek help.

Elderly pilgrims are especially vulnerable to heat stress
Many unregistered pilgrims are elderly, using life savings to perform the Hajj

Saudi police cracked down on unregistered pilgrims, arresting hundreds without proper documentation.
The Egyptian government revoked licenses of 16 tourism companies that facilitated travel for unregistered pilgrims.
Saudi authorities organized burials in Mecca for those who died, unless families requested repatriation.

Saudi authorities encouraged staying indoors, painted asphalt around the Namira Mosque with a surface-cooling coat, and attempted other measures to mitigate heat.
Despite efforts, many pilgrims faced oppressive heat, and reflective coatings had limited effects on air temperatures.
Experts suggest providing shade along pilgrimage routes, planting trees, providing water and umbrellas, and installing misting systems as more effective measures.

Saudi Arabia's high warming rate poses future risks for Hajj pilgrims.
Continuous access to air conditioning is necessary for survival in the region due to rising temperatures.

The deadly Heat Wave Deaths at Hajj highlights the urgent need to address climate change and ensure safety measures for vulnerable populations.
With rising global temperatures, the Saudi government faces growing scrutiny over its role as host of one of the world's largest religious gatherings.

This article is crucial for UPSC CSE, UPSC CAPF, Assistant Commandant, Essay Writing, Current Affairs, NDA, CDS, SSB Interview, AFCAT, IAS, IB ACIO, and other competitive exams.
Understanding the interplay between climate change and its impact on major events like the Hajj provides a comprehensive perspective on environmental challenges and public health issues.
This knowledge is essential for answering questions related to climate policy, disaster management, international relations, and religious tourism in various competitive exams.
It also underscores the importance of effective governance and infrastructure development in mitigating the effects of extreme weather conditions.