For the Haj pilgrimage, the Saudi Arabian administration has issued necessary guidelines for the pilgrims in view of the intensity of Mecca. The Haj pilgrimage has started from Friday, June 14, 2024. The administration has advised the pilgrims to avoid direct exposure to heat and sunlight. Also, the elderly and people suffering from health problems have been asked to take special care.
Inform people not to go out in rain or storm
The National Center of Metrology (NCM) has asked pilgrims to avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm as the sun is overhead during this time. Apart from this, the temperature is also the highest at this time. Apart from this, passengers have also been advised not to go out in conditions like rain and storm. They have been asked to keep an eye on weather reports and Haj related rituals before starting the Haj pilgrimage and have been advised to follow the guidelines of NCM.
20 lakh devotees will perform the pilgrimage
This year, about 20 lakh pilgrims will perform Hajj. Saudi Arabian officials estimate that the temperature in Mecca may reach 44 degrees Celsius during this period. In such a situation, the Saudi administration has taken several steps to facilitate the journey of pilgrims. A misting system has been installed in the Grand Mosque, under which misting fans have been installed to get relief from the heat. Apart from this, air-conditioned spaces have been created near the Kaaba, the paths have been covered with umbrellas, white stones have been installed, which reduce the temperature by 20 degrees Celsius, and climate control paths have been built.
Medical facilities have also been arranged
The administration has deployed 32,000 medical professionals, mobile clinics have been set up in Mecca and Medina, and various medical services will also be available at the holy sites for pilgrims. In addition, 5 thousand doctors and 183 health care and intensive care units have been set up to treat sunstroke.