Pilgrims enter Mecca amid scorching heat and Saudi security measures
According to the webangah News Agency, Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported that over one million Muslims have arrived in Mecca ahead of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi authorities have pledged to organize a safer Hajj amid extreme heat and efforts to manage unauthorized pilgrims.
Temperatures are expected to reach 40°C (104°F) as one of the world’s largest religious gatherings begins on Wednesday. Saudi officials confirmed more than 1.3 million pilgrims had entered the country for Hajj rituals by Friday.
Saudi authorities have mobilized over 40 government agencies and 250,000 personnel this year, enhancing preparedness for extreme heat risks following fatalities during 2024’s severe heatwave.
Saudi Minister of Hajj Tawfiq Al-Rabiah announced last week that shaded areas now cover approximately 50,000 square meters, with thousands of medical staff on standby.
Despite the intense heat,pilgrims expressed joy at reaching Mecca while describing oppressive conditions that require constant use of sunglasses outdoors.
The outlet noted that last year’s temperatures exceeding 51°C (124°F) led to 1,301 pilgrim deaths-primarily among those unable to reach air-conditioned tents or buses.
