As over two million pilgrims get set globally to perform the 2024 hajj, they are being awakened to the scorching atmospheric conditions currently hitting the two holy cities of Makkah and Medina in Saudi Arabia.
Before now, the Saudi authorities had intimated participating countries of the blazing sun and potential heat waves that mostly accompany the unfriendly weather.
Similarly, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a warning signal to pilgrims against the devasting health implications of exposing themselves to the heatwaves.
About 34,000 Nigerians, who arrived in the Asian nation to perform this year’s pilgrimage, are predisposed to harsh atmospheric conditions, hitting hard on the richest oil-producing Kingdom in the Arabian Peninsula.
The temperature today in Makkah is predicted to stand at 45 degrees Celsius and will rise to 46 degrees tomorrow.
Relatedly, the weather in the city of Medina will rise to 45 degrees Celsius today, and subsequently, drop to 43 degrees tomorrow.
Head, NAHCON’s medical mission in Medina, Dr. Hamidu Mohammad Liman, revealed that like previous weather conditions during hajj sessions, pilgrims must prepare for higher temperatures this year.
Speaking with some members of the National Media Team (Hajj 2024) in Madina, Liman warned pilgrims, especially those with underlying medical issues, to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun’s rays.
He advised: “We always encourage our pilgrims that as soon they arrive, they should eat good food and drink a lot of water. They must avoid sun rays. If they have no critical reason to go out, they should remain in the mosque or their hotel accommodation to observe their prayers.”
On the prevalence of medical conditions observed among Nigerian pilgrims so far, Liman disclosed frequent body pains, and upper respiratory infection, with malaria, being the major illness. He cautioned against high exposure to cooling systems and cold water.
However, some of the pilgrims, spotted in the city of Medina walking under the temperature told The Guardian that they were prepared for the weather.
The Hajj commission has, however, announced a plan to suspend certain offshore allowances to staff and officials in the holy land.
A statement by Fatima by Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Sanda Usara, said NAHCON considered the suspension as an alternative due to financial constraints imposed by aspects of this year’s hajj operations.
The statement reads: “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) regrets the situation knowing how exerting hajj operations are to staff and their families. Due to these financial constraints, certain allowances peculiar to NAHCON staff will remain suspended for the time being.
“Despite this challenging situation, the Commission remains hopeful that as conditions improve, staff allowances may be reassessed even if it were a minimal increase. However, this time around, staff will be given the option of returning to Nigeria after putting 21 days of service if they opt to return.”
