Hajj 2024: Nigerian pilgrim dies of excessive heat in Saudi Arabia

Another Nigerian pilgrim who participated in the 2024 Hajj has died in Saudi Arabia.

Abubakar Adamu, head of Nigeria’s medical team for 2024 Hajj, told journalists on Monday that the pilgrim died due to heatstroke while on his way to Jamrate to perform the ritual of throwing stones.

Jamrat is one of the three stone walls located in the valley of Minā in Saudi Arabia where pilgrims perform the ritual of throwing stones, which symbolises the repudiation of evil and worldly thoughts.

Accroding to NAN, the Saudi authorities have directed pilgrims to stop going to the Jamarat due to excessive heat between the hours of 11am and 4pm.

”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,” Adamu said.

Adamu advised pilgrims to use umbrellas, seek shade, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to protect themselves from the heatwave sun.

“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.”

Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s assistant director of public affairs, said the commission has been doing its best to educate the pilgrims about the risk factors associated with exposing themselves to sun.

Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, a spokesperson for the Saudi health ministry, told journalists that more than 2,760 pilgrims suffered from sunstroke and heat stress on Sunday alone.

He said Saudi Arabia has not provided any information on fatalities, adding that the heat reached 47C (116.6F) in Mecca on Sunday, a temperature that was forecast to continue on Monday.

Since the start of the 2024 Hajj, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reported the death of a number of pilgrims from Nigeria.