Accra, Ghana – The scorching heat in Saudi Arabia has led to a tragedy for Ghanaian pilgrims during this year’s Hajj, with six more nationals succumbing to the extreme temperatures. The total death toll from the intense heat wave in Mecca now stands at eight, according to Abdul Rahman Alhassan Gomda, the spokesperson for the Hajj Board.
Gomda confirmed the reports of the additional deaths during an interview, highlighting that the pilgrims faced temperatures exceeding 41 degrees Celsius while in Madina. In response to the severe heat, Saudi authorities issued a directive mandating all pilgrims to remain inside their tents from noon until 4 p.m. local time to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Initially, the fatalities were thought to only impact Georgian nationals, but it soon became apparent that Ghanaians were also among those who tragically lost their lives due to the extreme weather conditions. The overall death toll for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage has risen to more than 1,000, as reported by Sky News.
Gomda expressed the unbearable conditions faced by the pilgrims, stating, “The heat was unbearable, reaching temperatures higher than 41 degrees Celsius. We were confined to our camps during the critical hours.” He also mentioned rumors of 13 Ghanaian deaths within their camp, with efforts underway to identify the deceased using fingerprints.
Chairman of the Hajj Board, Ben Abdallah Banda, recently confirmed the death of two Ghanaian pilgrims from the Savannah region. Their unfortunate passing occurred at separate times, with one pilgrim succumbing on Sunday, June 9, and the other on Wednesday, June 12. Additionally, Mr. Banda shared the news of a Ghanaian pilgrim giving birth to a baby boy during the pilgrimage.
The tragic deaths and challenges faced by Ghanaian pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage underscore the need for increased awareness and precautions to protect individuals from extreme weather conditions. As investigations continue to identify the full extent of the losses suffered by the community, efforts to enhance safety measures and support for pilgrims are likely to be prioritized in future pilgrimages.