As pilgrims globally prepared for the crest of hajj rituals in Saudi Arabia, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged Nigerians to caution their relatives on pilgrimage to keep safe against life threatening weather condition.
The commission’s appeal came as temperature conditions estimated above 50 degrees Celsius in the coming days pilgrims will begin the actual hajj exercise.
“We would like to advice the relatives of pilgrims back home in Nigeria to draw attention of their love ones on hajj to avoid the scorching sun in Saudi Arabia. This is very important because the heat-wave from the high temperature is deadly.
” And the tense condition can move from heat exhaustion to heat-stroke when the body temperature can go as high as 40 degrees, which is life threatening fatal. This condition can suddenly lead to pilgrim’s collapse and sending the victim into coma and subsequently lead to death”, NAHCON head of medical mission in Makkah, Dr. Abubakar Adamu Ismail gave the warming.
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Dr. Ismail raised the emergency call after the inspection of facilities at Muna, Arafah, and other sacred sites on Sunday stressed the awareness become pertinent to avoid needless casualty during the convergence of millions of pilgrims at various points.
Dr. Ismail explained early notice issued by Saudi Arabia authorities prior to the commencement of hajj indicated possibility of heat waves emanating from temperature projected to hit 50 degree celsius. He revealed the condition may get worse in the coming days, hence the need for caution.
Despite the grievous tendencies, the medical expert commended the level of preventive measures provided to mitigate the predicament and enable pilgrims comfort at the sacred destinations.
“Now we have prepared members of the medical team about heat stroke and heat exhausting, major health complications that maybe imminent during activities at Muna, Arafah and other sacred sites.
“Although, we have noticed improved arrangements by Saudi authorities to make pilgrims comfortable at the sacred places talking of availability of cooling system under each of the wide and spacious tent.
“Secondly, the provision of transport system that will convey pilgrims from each point to the next destination is commendable. From Makkah to Muna, to Arafah, down to Musdalifah and back to Muna.
“The buses are designated state by state. At every point, there are dedicated tents provided to safeguard the health condition of pilgrims. With these enablement, we foreseen less complication and health hazard this year than ever before at the sacred places where hajj rituals hold”. Dr. Ismail added.