How Saudi Arabia plans to avoid repeat of last year’s record Hajj deaths as temperature again hits 50C

Saudi Arabia has introduced stricter rules for Hajj pilgrims amid growing concerns about extreme heat, which took a deadly toll last year.

Authorities have warned that temperatures during this year’s pilgrimage, in mid-June, could again reach or exceed 50C.

With millions of Muslims from around the world expected to arrive in Mecca, authorities have ramped up preparations, aiming to avoid a repeat of last year when over 1,300 deaths were reported due to extreme heat.

The kingdom says it is ramping up efforts to keep a track of the health conditions of people with the help of technology and intensifying enforcement against unregistered pilgrims who could be at risk without proper access to shelter and water.

There are fines of up to $5,000 and other punitive measures, like deportation, for anyone performing the Hajj without a permit. The policy includes citizens and those with Saudi residency.

At a press conference in Mecca, officials said they had stopped 269,678 people without permits from entering the city.

Rules only allow people with permits to perform the annual pilgrimage even if they live in the city year-round.

Authorities have also imposed penalties on over 23,000 Saudi residents for violating Hajj regulations and revoked the licences of 400 Hajj companies.

“In 2023, over 80 per cent of the 1,300 deaths were unregistered pilgrims,” Saudi health minister Fahad Al-Jalajel said, noting that many of the deceased were elderly or had chronic illnesses.

“This year, we are using technology and coordination with international missions to ensure pilgrims are accounted for and protected.”

Authorities are giving pilgrims smart wearable devices that monitor body temperature and heart rate and send alerts if there are signs of heat exhaustion.

They are also adding more air-conditioned rest stops, misting stations, shaded areas, and water supply points along key pilgrimage routes.