One of the World’s Biggest Human Gatherings Begins
The annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca is set to begin this Wednesday, marking what experts say will be the final summer Hajj until the mid-2040s. With the extreme temperatures expected to soar above 120°F, Saudi Arabia is taking extensive measures to safeguard the influx of pilgrims.
Last year, extreme heat claimed the lives of over 1,300 pilgrims, prompting officials to enhance safety protocols. In an effort to avoid a similar tragedy, government authorities have taken significant preventative steps. Among the preparations are the planting of 20,000 new trees, the installation of thousands of misting fans, and the resurfacing of key roads with white materials to help lower surface temperatures. Additionally, the number of healthcare workers has been increased by 25%, with around 50,000 professionals on standby.
According to reports, more than 1,475,000 registered pilgrims have already entered Saudi Arabia to begin the five-day journey. In contrast, around 270,000 individuals without official permits have been intercepted. Obtaining a permit for the Hajj is a challenging process, allocated to nations in proportion to their populations—a process that can sometimes take decades to navigate.
Many unregistered pilgrims, notably seen in previous years, often miss out on essential services such as air-conditioned tents and official cooling centers. This lack of access has underscored the critical need for the stringent measures now in place, aimed at preventing disasters during one of the world’s largest annual gatherings.
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