Deaths at Saudi haj show challenge of shielding pilgrims from lethal climate

RIYADH – Hundreds of the pilgrims who died in fierce heat at this year's haj were not officially registered with the Saudi authorities, with the result that many had no access to vital services like air-conditioned buses and cool-off tents.

The unregistered pilgrims' lack of a permit made it difficult to provide them with services and care, the security spokesman for Saudi's Ministry of Interior, Colonel Talal bin Shalhoub, said in an interview on Saudi TV channel al-Arabiya. Pilgrims said those without permits had to walk at times in temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius , while most registered pilgrims were able to make much of the journey by air-conditioned bus.

It is not known how big the influx of unauthorised pilgrims was. But Saudi Director of Public Security Mohammed bin Abdullah al-Bassami said this month the kingdom had deported 171,587 people who were not residents of Mecca, in apparent reference to people caught trying to perform haj without a permit.

"It's a situation that is only getting worse with time," said Elfatih Eltahir, co-director of the Jameel Observatory and a professor at MIT, who published a paper on the dangers of heat stress for pilgrims in 2019.

Hajj Climate

پاکستان تازہ ترین خبریں, پاکستان عنوانات

Similar News:آپ اس سے ملتی جلتی خبریں بھی پڑھ سکتے ہیں جو ہم نے دوسرے خبروں کے ذرائع سے جمع کی ہیں۔

Over 1,000 pilgrims died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, officials sayOver 1,000 pilgrims died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, officials say
ذریعہ: DunyaNews - 🏆 1. / 83 مزید پڑھ »

Saudi Arabia says 1,301 deaths during hajj, mostly unregistered pilgrimsOver 1,300 pilgrims died, many unregistered, during the pilgrimage amid extreme conditions.
ذریعہ: 24NewsHD - 🏆 19. / 51 مزید پڑھ »

At least 19 Hajj pilgrims die from extreme heat in Saudi ArabiaJordanians, Iranians among dead
ذریعہ: DunyaNews - 🏆 1. / 83 مزید پڑھ »

Saudi Arabia leverages data, AI technologies to enhance Hajj pilgrims experienceInnovations are being implemented with a commitment to responsible AI practices and applications.
ذریعہ: DunyaNews - 🏆 1. / 83 مزید پڑھ »

Self-driving aerial taxi during Hajj introduced in Saudi ArabiaTaxi will transport pilgrims across holy sites, assist in medical emergencies and supply delivery
ذریعہ: DunyaNews - 🏆 1. / 83 مزید پڑھ »

More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims arrive in Mecca for annual Hajj pilgrimageMore than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims arrive in Mecca for annual Hajj pilgrimage
ذریعہ: DunyaNews - 🏆 1. / 83 مزید پڑھ »