Saudi authorities implore pilgrims to remain inside during the Day of Arafat.
HITTING THE HOT SPOT: Saudi authorities are urging Hajj pilgrims to stick to their tents during heatwave conditions this week, with temperatures predicted to soar above 40 degrees Celsius.
In a bid to keep pilgrims cool and safe, Hajj Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah has urged pilgrims to stay indoors between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on the crucial Day of Arafat, traditionally the peak of the Hajj.
Mount Arafat, where pilgrims gather on a barren hill to engage in hours of prayer and recitation of the Holy Quran, offers minimal shade, making it tough for pilgrims to endure the scorching desert heat.
"We strongly discourage scaling mountains or elevated locations on the Day of Arafat, as it leads to extreme physical exertion and significantly escalates the risk of heat exhaustion," Saudi health ministry warned in a statement cited in local media.
The message comes as the world braces for one of the largest annual religious gatherings, a spectacular event that brings together devotees from around the world. This year's Hajj kicks off on Wednesday.
The Saudi authorities have stepped up heat mitigation measures following last year's Hajj incident, which recorded 1,301 pilgrim deaths due to the sweltering temperatures reaching 51.8 degrees Celsius (125.2 Fahrenheit).
As a preventive measure, Saudi Arabia has activated the world's largest cooling system in the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque in Madina, keeping temperatures between 22°C and 24°C for pilgrims, thus minimizing the risk of heat-related illnesses. The system, equipped with advanced air purification, can remove up to 95 percent of airborne impurities.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has rolled out an awareness kit in eight languages to educate pilgrims on heat safety tips, such as staying hydrated, using umbrellas for sun protection, and recognizing symptoms of heat-related ailments. Alongside, pilgrims are also provided with an official safety kit that offers tips on appropriate clothing and heat-related symptom identification and treatment.
To ensure the well-being of the participants, children under 12 years old have been barred from participating in this year's Hajj, and pilgrims are strongly advised to avoid going out during the peak heat hours.
In preparation for the grueling journey, pilgrims are advised to focus on physical conditioning through exercise and a healthy diet, and to opt for breathable clothing like cotton and suitable footwear to keep heat stress at bay.
1.In addition to the preventive measures, pilgrims are advised to prioritize their health-and-wellness by focusing on fitness-and-exercise and maintaining a balanced diet, to better endure the physically draining experience of the Hajj.2. With the rise of climate-change and its impact on global temperatures, the risk of heat-related illnesses during the Hajj has become a significant concern, necessitating scientific research and environmental-science to develop more effective heat mitigation strategies.3. The Saudi authorities' efforts to ensure a safe and comfortable Hajj experience extend beyond the mitigation of heatwaves and include the education of pilgrims on health safety practices, highlighting their commitment to the well-being and safety of all participants.
