Six Ghanaian nationals have tragically lost their lives in Mecca due to a severe heat wave sweeping through Saudi Arabia, bringing the total death toll among Ghanaian pilgrims to eight. The deaths occurred as temperatures soared above 41 degrees Celsius, affecting pilgrims staying in Madina as part of their religious journey.
Abdul Rahman Alhassan Gomba, Spokesperson for the Hajj Board, confirmed the fatalities during an interview on Citi FM. He highlighted the extreme conditions faced by the pilgrims and the measures taken by Saudi authorities to mitigate the impact of the heat wave. Pilgrims were instructed to remain within their tents during peak heat hours, between noon and 4 p.m. local time.