[Anchor]
As the period of pilgrimage in Islam, known as ‘Hajj,’ approaches, pilgrims from around the world are flocking to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.
In the scorching heat reaching up to 50 degrees during the day, outdoor events are prevalent, leading to a surge in deaths due to heat-related illnesses.
Reporter Kim Ji-young reports.
[Reporter]
Pilgrims from around the world are lining up to climb the Arafa Mount, where the founder of Islam, Muhammad, delivered his final sermon.
They circle around the ‘Kaaba’ located in the center of the Mecca Grand Mosque, pray, and throw stones at the stone pillars.
Annual pilgrimage to the sacred sites during this time, known as Hajj, is one of the five obligatory duties that Muslims must observe.
[Pilgrim from Egypt: Despite the extreme heat, I am happy and joyful to perform the rituals. I am grateful that I will be rewarded for my hardship.]
The problem is the persistent heat wave reaching almost 50 degrees Celsius.
Saudi authorities have installed sprinklers and water stations to cool down the heat, and have allocated specialized medical beds for heat-related illnesses.
Pilgrims have also prepared meticulously by bringing umbrellas to shield themselves from the heat.
[Pakistani Pilgrim Aziz Khan: We need to drink a lot of water and stay in the shade. On hot days, do not go out without an umbrella.]
However, casualties are occurring within the deadly heat.
Dozens have been confirmed dead by the Turkish and Jordanian governments, with concerns that the number may increase further.
[Saudi Minister of Health Fahad Al-Zaidal: Medical teams have treated 151 cases of heat stress in Mina so far. We recommend being cautious.]
As a large number of people gather in confined spaces, there are fears of a repeat of past tragedies, such as major stampedes, putting pressure on the Saudi authorities.
This is YTN reporter Kim Ji-young.
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