A Nigerian pilgrim on his way to the Jamarat Bridge to perform the ritual of throwing stones collapsed and eventually died due to heatstroke.
Dr. Abubakar Adamu, head of Nigeria’s Medical Team for the 2024 Hajj, confirmed the incident in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that around 11 a.m., the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah halted pilgrims from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. due to excessive heat.
Pilgrims were cautioned against defying the Saudi authorities’ directive prohibiting them from performing the ritual within the stipulated time.
Dr. Adamu mentioned that even before the commencement of the Hajj operations, he had sensitized the medical team on preventing heatstroke during a heatwave.
He advised pilgrims to use umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun and to always seek shade whenever possible to avoid direct sunlight.
Dr. Adamu also emphasized the importance of staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty.
“Pilgrims are also advised to pay close attention to all health advisories and instructions provided by the medical team. To limit sun exposure, pilgrims should avoid going outside during peak heat and refrain from walking in the sun,” he said.
Mrs. Fatima Usara, Assistant Director of Public Affairs at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), stated that the commission had been doing its best to educate pilgrims about the risks associated with sun exposure.
Dr. Kabir Moha reported that at least 14 Jordanian pilgrims have died while on the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as temperatures soared. Jordan’s foreign ministry noted that “14 Jordanian pilgrims died and 17 others were missing” during the Hajj rituals. The deceased suffered from sunstroke due to the extreme heatwave, and arrangements were made with Saudi authorities to bury the dead in Saudi Arabia or transfer them to Jordan.
The Iranian Red Crescent chief, Pir Hossein Kolivand, reported that “five Iranian pilgrims have lost their lives so far in Mecca and Medina during this year’s Hajj,” without specifying the causes.
Saudi health ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al-Abdulaali stated that more than 2,760 pilgrims suffered from sunstroke and heat stress on Sunday alone. However, Saudi Arabia has not provided any information on fatalities.
The temperature reached 47°C (116.6°F) in Mecca on Sunday, and similar conditions were forecast for Monday.
