In Saudi Arabia, 6,500 Hajis have fallen ill due to severe heatstroke. The country’s medical team is treating them to recover.
This information was given by the Ministry of Health of the country.
Saudi Media Health Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Quoting Mohammad Al-Abdulali, the Ministry of Health has taken the issue seriously. The utmost effort will be made to serve the guests of Allah in the holy place.
Temperatures reached 42 degrees Celsius in the Mina valley near the holy city of Mecca early on Thursday (June 29), Saudi TV Al Ekhbariya reported.
A video broadcast by Al-Ekhbariya TV showed a Saudi security guard splashing water on a Haji to cool him down amid high temperatures.
The country’s health ministry has advised Hajis to avoid direct sunlight. It is also asked to choose an auspicious time to perform the symbolic ritual of stoning Satan, which begins on Wednesday (June 28). It also advised drinking enough water and other fluids as well as using umbrellas to protect from the sun.
The ministry said that 111,761 pilgrims have received health care facilities in Makkah and Madinah in the last 39 days. This year, a total of 172 health care centers have been established in the holy places of Saudi Arabia to serve the Hajids.
The ministry also said that 140 health centers and 32 hospitals were engaged in healthcare for Hajids. After its success during last year’s Hajj season, it has been launched this year as well to provide virtual hospital services.
