Hajj Pilgrimage Faces Extreme Heat After 1,300 Deaths

The annual Hajj pilgrimage has begun in Mecca, drawing over 1.4 million Muslims despite forecasts of extreme heat, with last year's event having resulted in more than 1,300 deaths due to high temperatures. In response, Saudi authorities have mobilized 250,000 officials, including 50,000 healthcare workers, and installed over 400 cooling units to safeguard attendees. Enhanced safety measures include expanded shaded areas, AI-powered health monitoring, and smart air-conditioning in the Mina tent city, which accommodates millions. Infrastructure improvements also cover transport systems to ensure safe movement between key holy sites. Pilgrims are advised to remain in their tents during peak heat on the Day of Arafat, with mass prayers scheduled for June 5 and Eid al-Adha on June 6. Early reports indicate dozens of cases of heat exhaustion, but preparations by more than 40 agencies aim to prevent a repeat of last year's fatalities.