Excessive heat: Nigerian pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia

A Nigerian pilgrim (name withheld) has died in Saudi Arabia due to heatstroke.

D’Gallery learnt that the deceased was on his way to Jamrate to perform the stones-throwing ritual in the ongoing 2024 Hajj at the holy land when he collapsed and passed on. He died of excessive heatstroke.

Head of Nigeria’s Medical Team for the 2024 Hajj, Dr Abubakar Adamu, confirmed this in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Mina, Saudi Arabia.

D’Gallery also gathered that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had advised pilgrims not to proceed to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to extreme heat.

The heat reached 47C (116.6F) in Mecca on Sunday, a temperature that was forecast to continue on Monday.

The pilgrims had hitherto been advised against violating Saudi authorities’ directives that prohibit them from the ritual of throwing stones within the stipulated time.

Adamu said: “Even before the commencement of this year’s Hajj operation, we have been educating and sensitising members of the medical team on how to prevent heatstroke that could arise from heatwave.”

He enjoined pilgrims to use umbrellas to protect themselves from the heatwave sun.

He also implored them to always take cover under a shade whenever possible to avoid direct sun heat.

Adamu also stressed the need for pilgrims to stay 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,” he said.

“To limit sun exposure, pilgrims should avoid going outside during peak heat. They should also refrain from walking in the sun,” he added.

Also, the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, NAHCON, Mrs Fatima Usara, said that the commission had been doing its best to sensitise the pilgrims about the risk factors associated with exposing themselves to sun.

Also, Dr Kabir Moha, said at least 14 Jordanian pilgrims had died while on the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as temperatures soar in the kingdom.

Jordan’s foreign ministry said: “14 Jordanian pilgrims died and 17 others were missing” during the performance of Hajj rituals.

It said its nationals had died “after suffering sunstroke due to the extreme heatwave” and that it had liaised with Saudi authorities to bury the dead in Saudi Arabia or transfer them to Jordan.

The Iranian Red Crescent chief, Pir Hossein Kolivand, said: “Five Iranian pilgrims have lost their lives so far in Mecca and Medina during the Hajj this year, but did not say how they died.”

Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, a spokesperson for the Saudi health ministry, told reporters 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.